Shiv Sena's BMC Poll Strategy: Cluster Redevelopment for Maharashtrian Settlements

Mumbai: Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is making a strong pitch for a cluster redevelopment policy aimed at rehabilitating 17 large slum pockets in Mumbai, which the party identifies as predominantly Maharashtrian settlements. This strategy is designed to counter the Sena (UBT)-MNS's attempts at appealing to Marathi manoos by focusing on basic housing rights.

The Shiv Sena is emphasizing that the civic body must be run by parties governing the state, making housing revamp its main poll plank in the upcoming BMC elections. “Because we control urban development, it will be easier for us to get this implemented. This is the main thrust of our BMC manifesto which will be unveiled on Saturday,” said the party's ex-MP Rahul Shewale in an interview with TOI.

The heart of the outreach is the implementation of the 2034 Development Plan through a cluster-based approach, with Ramabai Nagar cited as a template. “The model for this whole plan is the Ramabai Nagar project, where they have moved out 4,000 people and given rent to them,” Shewale said, referring to the transit accommodation and rental support provided in redevelopment. Shewale explained that 17 clusters, each around 15 hectares, will be developed on the lines of the Ramabai Nagar model.

“Instead of isolated vertical slum buildings, we will create township-like neighbourhoods with housing, parking, open spaces, healthcare, schools, and commercial zones,” he said. Additionally, seven more clusters are planned in Prabhadevi and Dadar, including the Khandke building precinct—an area of symbolic importance. “This is where Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray groomed the Shiv Sena in its initial days,” Shewale noted.

Shewale also highlighted the party’s focus on the economic empowerment of Marathi entrepreneurs. As a tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray on his birth centenary on January 23, the party plans to partner with emerging entrepreneurs by offering seed capital. “Many Marathi entrepreneurs have ideas and skills but lack seed capital. Govt-backed seed funds, credit guarantees, and partnership models will be created,” he said. “Economic empowerment of Marathis is central to preserving Mumbai's character,” Shewale argued, noting that rising real estate prices over the past decade have pushed original residents out of the city.

Shewale emphasized that Mumbai’s scale requires strong state-level leadership, and that the civic body alone cannot deliver mega projects. “Mumbai's infrastructure and housing needs cannot be addressed by the civic body alone. Coordination between the state and Centre is critical,” he said, adding that key clearances ultimately rest with the chief minister. On the economy, Shewale stated that Mumbai must develop International Financial Services Centres (IFSC) and FinTech hubs to generate more employment.

One of the ambitious interventions in the Shiv Sena manifesto is a Rs 50,000-crore utility tunnel network to house water pipelines, power cables, gas lines, and fibre optics. “This will end repeated road digging and ensure durable roads for decades. Global cities have adopted this model, and Mumbai must do the same,” said ex-MP Rahul Shewale.