Mahayuti Unveils Mumbai Civic Manifesto: Tech-Driven Governance and Women’s Concessions

Mumbai: The Mahayuti alliance, a coalition of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and RPI (A), has unveiled a wide-ranging manifesto for the upcoming civic body elections in Mumbai. The document promises to transform the city into a “global powerhouse” through technology-driven governance, significant concessions for women, and enhanced public services.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who unveiled the manifesto, emphasized the alliance's commitment to leveraging “Japanese technology” in conjunction with local administration to address chronic civic issues. This approach aims to bring essential services to citizens’ mobile phones, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

The manifesto places a strong emphasis on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to combat corruption, expedite clearances, and improve service delivery. “The city has witnessed 25 years of inefficiency in civic governance, and now we are urging the people to give us the opportunity to bring transparency to civic administration,” Fadnavis stated. “Our goal is a corruption-free municipal corporation,” he added, outlining a “Municipality on your Mobile” initiative and an AI-driven platform to streamline building approvals and ensure transparency in the real estate sector.

Another significant pledge in the manifesto is the introduction of AI labs in all municipal schools. This initiative aims to equip students with future-ready skills, preparing them for the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Transport and women’s safety are also key areas of focus in the manifesto. The alliance aims to expand the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) fleet from approximately 5,000 to 10,000 buses, with a shift towards electric vehicles. Additionally, the manifesto promises a 50 per cent concession on fares for women travellers. New “midi” and “mini” bus services will be introduced to improve last-mile connectivity around Metro and railway stations, enhancing overall public transportation.

Fadnavis also addressed the issue of migration, stating that the alliance will “free Mumbai of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas.” He announced that, with the assistance of IIT, the alliance will develop an AI tool to identify and manage Bangladeshi migrants, ensuring the city’s security and social harmony.

The Mahayuti alliance's manifesto represents a comprehensive plan to modernize and improve Mumbai's civic infrastructure, focusing on technology, education, public transport, and women’s safety. The coalition is confident that these measures will transform Mumbai into a global hub of innovation and efficiency.