Mumbai: In a significant political moment ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday jointly released their alliance manifesto titled ‘Vachan Nama’. The manifesto lays out an ambitious roadmap focused on affordable housing, civic infrastructure, social welfare, and public services, while also launching a fierce attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of undermining democratic processes.

The manifesto was unveiled at a joint press conference held at Shiv Sena Bhawan, a venue rich in political symbolism. The event marked Raj Thackeray’s return to Shiv Sena Bhawan after nearly two decades, underlining the political and emotional significance of the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance. Raj Thackeray had left the Shiv Sena in 2005 following differences with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray over the party’s leadership succession, after Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray handed over the reins to his son.

The cover of the manifesto prominently featured a photograph of the Thackeray brothers alongside Balasaheb Thackeray, a deliberate visual message signalling unity, legacy, and a shared ideological lineage aimed at consolidating Marathi votes in Mumbai.

At the core of the manifesto is a promise to make Mumbai more affordable and liveable for its residents. The alliance pledged to prioritise affordable housing and improve infrastructure across key sectors, including healthcare, public transport, and education. The leaders said these areas had suffered due to mismanagement and misplaced priorities under previous civic administrations.

One of the flagship welfare proposals announced in the manifesto is the ‘Swabhiman Nidhi’ scheme. Under this initiative, women working as domestic workers and women from the traditional Koli fishing community will receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,500. The alliance said the scheme is aimed at recognising the economic contribution of working-class women and providing them with financial security and dignity.

Public transport featured prominently in the manifesto, with the alliance promising to reduce the minimum bus fare in Mumbai from ₹10 to ₹5 if voted to power. In addition, they pledged to increase the number of buses and expand routes to improve connectivity, particularly in underserved areas. The leaders argued that affordable and efficient public transport is essential for a city where millions rely on daily commuting for work.

In a move likely to appeal to middle-class homeowners, the manifesto also promised to scrap property tax on residential homes up to 700 square feet. The alliance said this measure would ease the financial burden on ordinary citizens struggling with rising living costs in the country’s financial capital.

Addressing long-standing concerns related to redevelopment projects, the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance committed to reforming parking regulations. According to the manifesto, each flat in redeveloped buildings will be entitled to one dedicated parking space, a promise aimed at resolving frequent disputes and congestion issues in densely populated neighbourhoods.

Beyond policy announcements, the press conference was marked by sharp political rhetoric, with both leaders launching a scathing attack on the BJP and the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of subverting democratic norms and “threatening” voters and candidates ahead of the civic polls.

In particular, Uddhav Thackeray targeted Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, alleging misuse of authority. “Rahul Narwekar, who is the chairman of the assembly, openly threatening candidates and voters, is very shocking. Action must be taken against him; he should be immediately suspended,” Uddhav said. He further alleged that Narwekar had directed officials to withdraw security from certain political leaders, calling it an abuse of power beyond the Speaker’s constitutional jurisdiction.

Uddhav Thackeray also raised objections to several candidates being elected unopposed in civic polls, claiming that voters had effectively been denied their right to vote. “You have stolen the right to vote from voters by electing candidates unopposed. By-elections should take place at these places,” he said, demanding corrective action.

Taking his criticism further, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while making allegations of “vote theft.” Using sarcasm, he accused the ruling party of manipulating the electoral process to ensure victories without contest.

“This is Jhund shahi, not democracy anymore. Even if we catch them red-handed while doing vote chori, now they have started stealing the candidates,” he said. In a biting remark aimed at the prime minister, Uddhav added, “We have no comparison with PM Modi, who built Mount Kailash and brought the Ganga to Earth. He was the one who did Samudra Manthan. We are still waiting for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue to emerge from the sea where PM Modi had done poojan years ago.”

He also challenged the Election Commission, demanding transparency and accountability. “We dare the Election Commission to show all call records of the returning officers. We want to see,” he said.

Raj Thackeray echoed similar concerns, particularly focusing on candidates being elected unopposed in Maharashtra civic polls. Drawing a comparison with West Bengal, he questioned the BJP’s double standards.

“The BJP had gone to the Supreme Court against unopposed elected candidates in West Bengal. I want to know what the same party thinks of the unopposed elected candidates of Mahayuti now,” Raj Thackeray said.

He warned against political complacency and concentration of power, stating that no party or leader remains permanently in power. “Nobody comes with permanent power. If they think they will never be removed from government, they should rethink,” he said.

Raj Thackeray also expressed concern over what he described as the erosion of Maharashtra’s distinct political and ideological identity. “I have been saying this for years, they are turning Maharashtra into UP and Bihar. Maharashtra has shown direction to the country. Those who want to come into politics are changing their ideologies,” he said, criticising what he termed opportunistic politics.

The joint appearance and manifesto release by the Thackeray brothers is being seen as a crucial moment in Mumbai’s civic politics, with the alliance aiming to present itself as a strong alternative to the BJP-led Mahayuti.

Polling for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including key civic bodies such as Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, is scheduled to be held on January 15, with counting of votes set for January 16. As campaigning intensifies, the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance is expected to sharpen its focus on local governance issues while continuing its aggressive political offensive against the BJP.