Thackeray Cousins Unveil Ambitious Manifesto for Mumbaikars

MUMBAI: Thackeray cousins Uddhav and Raj have unveiled a joint manifesto for Mumbaikars, packed with promises aimed at improving the lives of residents. The manifesto, which was presented by third-generation Thackerays Aaditya and Amit, includes a range of benefits such as property tax waivers, cash handouts, affordable housing, and enhanced public services.

Glimpses of the manifesto were given by two third-generation Thackerays—Aaditya and Amit—representing the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS respectively at a meeting of the alliance’s candidates on Friday. The 227 candidates were told to approve the manifesto drawn up by Amit and Aaditya Thackeray. It will be finalized by Uddhav and Raj and released on Sunday.

One of the key promises in the manifesto is a property tax waiver for houses within 700 square feet. This is an extension of the previous promise made by the undivided Shiv Sena in the 2017 civic polls, which waived property tax on residential flats of up to 500 square feet. The Thackeray cousins have now raised the threshold to 700 sq ft. Additionally, a monthly cash handout of ₹1,500 will be provided to domestic workers and fisherwomen under the Swabhiman Nidhi scheme, inspired by the Mahayuti’s Ladki Bahin Yojana.

The manifesto also focuses on affordable housing, with a promise to build 100,000 affordable houses for Marathi-speaking residents over the next five years. This initiative aims to address the housing needs of the Marathi manoos community, which is a significant focus of their campaign.

On the macro front, Aaditya Thackeray spoke about a plan called ‘Reinventing Mumbai’, which includes the development of a new international financial centre on 1,800 acres of “idle land” belonging to Mumbai Port. The lessees and encroachers on this land, from Colaba to Sewri, will be resettled in situ. This plan aims to boost economic growth and create new job opportunities in the city.

The manifesto places a strong emphasis on improving public transport. Aaditya, who played a role in getting air-conditioned BEST buses for Mumbai, said the alliance has drawn up a plan to revive the iconic public transport system. “We will get 10,000 electric buses and 900 double-decker buses for BEST and revive the old routes,” he said. “We will also revive the ticketing scheme in which people could travel five km for ₹5.” Additionally, Mumbaikars using up to 100 units of electricity per month will be given free power, and BEST will apply for a license to distribute electricity in the suburbs.

Health services are another crucial aspect of the manifesto. The alliance promises to start a BMC cancer hospital and ambulance service. “There’s the Tata Memorial Hospital, but one more set-up is needed,” said Amit Thackeray. The BMC had previously operated a cancer hospital in Marol, but it was sold to a private company, Seven Hills. The manifesto also includes plans to establish medical colleges at Rajawadi, MT Agarwal, Shatabdi Kandivali, Shatabdi Govandi, and Bhagwati Hospital, ensuring that these institutions remain public and not privatized.

The manifesto promises a range of other facilities, including creches for working parents in every ward and public toilets for women at every two km. The alliance also plans to get the Development Control and Promotion Regulations amended to introduce a One Flat One Car Park rule, ensuring one mandatory free parking slot with every flat purchased in Mumbai. Furthermore, the BMC’s parking lots will be made available for free to citizens.

When asked for a response to the manifesto, BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said, “The BMC was ruled by Uddhav Thackeray for years, but his party didn’t even fulfill the basic requirements of Mumbai. No Mumbaikar will believe them.” Upadhye’s words were echoed by Shiv Sena national spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam. “Uddhav Thackeray has ruled for two and a half decades,” he said. “What difference will a manifesto make when they could not deliver for the last 25 years? It’s just an eyewash.”

Despite the criticisms, the Thackeray cousins are hopeful that their manifesto will resonate with Mumbaikars and bring about positive changes in the city.