BMC Elections: From Property Tax Waiver to Public Schools, What Uddhav–Raj Promise Mumbai

The coming Mumbai civic polls on January 15 are set to be closely watched, as Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have unveiled a joint manifesto for the BMC elections. The document, titled 'Vachan Nama’, outlines plans for cheaper housing, subsidised meals, lower bus fares, women-focused schemes, better public services and relief for many city residents.

Women working as domestic helps and Koli women feature prominently in the Mumbai civic polls plan for the BMC elections. The manifesto proposes a 'Swabhiman Nidhi’ of Rs 1,500 per month for them, modelled on the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, which offers similar support to eligible women aged 21 to 65 across Maharashtra.

Mumbai civic polls manifesto and BMC elections promises

Food security is another focus of the Mumbai civic polls blueprint for the BMC elections. The alliance plans 'Maa Saheb’ kitchens, named after Meenatai Thackeray, to serve breakfast and lunch for Rs 10, similar to the 'Shiv Bhojan Thali’ scheme. Property tax on homes up to 700 sq ft may be waived if the alliance gains control.

The Mumbai civic polls manifesto for the BMC elections also stresses transport and education upgrades. The alliance has said minimum bus fares would drop from Rs 10 to Rs 5, with fresh buses and routes added. 'Mumbai Public Schools’ run by the BMC are proposed to offer continuous education from junior kindergarten up to Class 12 for city students.

Mumbai civic polls manifesto, BMC elections and alliance vision

For gig workers in the Mumbai civic polls framework for the BMC elections, the document promises interest-free loans of Rs 25,000 to buy e-bikes, aiming to reduce fuel costs and pollution. Parking rules may be revised so every flat in redeveloped buildings gets one parking slot, addressing a regular complaint in crowded neighbourhoods across Mumbai.

While launching the Mumbai civic polls agenda for the BMC elections, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray described their partnership as a protective front for Mumbai and Marathi residents. They said the manifesto was placed "at the feet of our janta" and branded their political understanding as a necessary "Shiv-Shakti" for the city’s future, after years of rivalry.

Mumbai civic polls, BMC elections and BJP–Shiv Sena tensions

The release of the Mumbai civic polls document for the BMC elections quickly turned political, with Uddhav Thackeray sharply criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party. "There is no democracy left. After vote theft, they are now stealing candidates. There is a monstrous race to ensure ruling party candidates win unopposed," Uddhav Thackeray alleged, accusing the BJP of damaging democratic norms.

Continuing the attack while discussing the Mumbai civic polls stakes in the BMC elections, Uddhav Thackeray said, "I'm sure the Mumbai mayor will be Marathi, but the BJP should answer who the deputy mayors were when they were in power with us." Uddhav Thackeray also sought re-elections where candidates were elected unopposed and demanded scrutiny of returning officers’ call records.

Raj Thackeray used the Mumbai civic polls platform and BMC elections campaign to question the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance ruling Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray accused it of "turning Maharashtra into UP–Bihar" and described this pattern as "unfortunate and dangerous for the future of the state", urging all political parties to seriously weigh the long-term effects.

Mumbai civic polls, BMC elections results in 2017

The current Mumbai civic polls contest for the BMC elections comes after a tight race in 2017, when the undivided Shiv Sena and the BJP finished almost level. The following table shows the main results from the previous Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election and highlights how fragmented the mandate was across parties.

That Mumbai civic polls outcome for the BMC elections left no party with the 114-seat majority mark. The BJP later offered outside support, allowing the Shiv Sena to install Vishwanath Mahadeshwar as Mumbai Mayor. Congress slid from 52 to 31 seats, the undivided NCP secured nine, and Raj Thackeray’s MNS plunged from 27 to just seven corporators.

The upcoming Mumbai civic polls for the BMC elections on January 15, with counting expected the next day, will test whether the joint Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS front and its 'Vachan Nama’ can reshape those numbers. Voters in Mumbai now weigh welfare promises, Marathi representation and political alliances before choosing the next civic administration.