BMC Election 2026: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray on Sunday released a joint manifesto for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The manifesto outlined a slate of welfare measures aimed at women, low-income workers and the urban middle class. Both the parties also promised major investments in civic infrastructure in the city.
The manifesto was released at the Shiv Sena Bhavan which saw Raj Thackeray’s first visit to the party headquarters in two decades after his split from the undivided Shiv Sena. Although the alliance also includes the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), no senior leader from the party was present on the dais during the launch.
Women-centric manifesto promises
Women voters feature prominently in the manifesto. The alliance has promised a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 under a scheme titled “Swabhiman Nidhi” for house helps and women from the Koli community, drawing parallels with the Mahayuti government’s Ladki Bahin Yojana.
The document also committed to building clean and accessible public restrooms for women along major roads across Mumbai.
Subsidised meals, affordable housing
On food security, the alliance has proposed a subsidised meal programme similar to the Shiv Bhojan Thali, under which breakfast and lunch would be provided for Rs 10. Housing is another key focus area, with the manifesto stating that Mumbai’s land will be prioritised for Mumbaikars.
It promises affordable housing for civic and government employees, BEST staff and mill workers, along with the creation of a dedicated BMC housing authority. The alliance has committed to constructing one lakh affordable homes over the next five years.
Free electricity model
The manifesto also announces 100 units of free electricity for residential users through the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, with efforts to extend the benefit to the eastern and western suburbs. However, details remain unclear on whether the free units would apply across the city alone or the entire metropolis, especially as BEST continues to face financial stress.
To address employment, the alliance has proposed financial assistance ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh for youth pursuing self-employment, along with an interest-free loan of Rs 25,000 for gig workers. It has also pledged to waive property tax on homes up to 700 sq ft and amend redevelopment rules to ensure one parking slot per flat.
Infrastructure remains in focus
Public transport and health infrastructure also feature prominently. The manifesto promises to reduce the minimum bus fare to Rs 5, add new buses and routes, and expand services. In healthcare, the alliance has pledged to establish five new medical colleges in civic-run hospitals, block any privatisation of these facilities, set up a super-speciality cancer hospital and introduce rapid bike-based medical assistance.
In education, BMC-run “Mumbai Public Schools” would be expanded from junior kindergarten to Class 12, while creches would be set up in every assembly segment to support working parents.
Additional proposals include pet parks, veterinary clinics, ambulances and crematoriums. Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the BMC, will be held in a single phase on January 15. The results are scheduled to be announced the following day, on January 16.