Mumbai, Jan 2 (NationPress) In a significant effort to strengthen their political standing, the coalition of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has unveiled a collaborative ‘Mini-Manifesto’ on Friday.

Aditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray laid out an extensive 16-point vision for the city, addressing their 227 candidates. Among the highlighted commitments, the alliance has pledged to deliver 100,000 homes, provide free electricity for up to 100 units, offer tax concessions, and render financial support for domestic workers.

This manifesto prioritizes social welfare, infrastructure, and youth employment.

The collaborative presentation by Aditya and Amit Thackeray represents a unified stance against their political adversaries, emphasizing a “Mumbai-First” agenda that merges infrastructure enhancement with robust social support.

The coalition assures that land owned by the BMC will not be allocated to private developers. Instead, it will be utilized to construct 100,000 affordable residences within five years for government staff and the general populace.

In a notable populist initiative, the manifesto guarantees up to 100 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, alongside plans to broaden BEST’s (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) electricity distribution network.

A substantial initiative will be made in green transport, including 10,000 electric buses and 900 double-decker e-buses. Special BEST services will cater specifically to women and students, complemented by a reduction in fare prices.

The manifesto also promises the establishment of five new medical colleges, a dedicated BMC Cancer Hospital, and a municipal ambulance service. There will also be a strong focus on promoting affordable generic medications.

It stands against the privatization of municipal schools and commits to introducing Junior Colleges (Class 11 & 12) within the BMC school system. The ‘Bolto Marathi’ initiative will be rolled out in all schools.

The coalition promises a Swabhiman Nidhi providing monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 for domestic workers, Maa Saheb Kitchens to serve breakfast and lunch for laborers at just Rs 10, and high-quality crèches and clean toilets every 2 kilometers for women.

It also promises free parking in BMC lots and mandates that redeveloped buildings provide one parking space per flat.

Under the ‘Balasaheb Thackeray Self-Employment Scheme’, 100,000 youth will receive financial support ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Interest-free loans for e-bikes will be available for 25,000 gig workers and Dabbawalas.

Property tax will be entirely waived for homes up to 700 sq. ft. Furthermore, housing societies adopting eco-friendly practices will be granted a Rs 1 lakh subsidy, and the proposed garbage collection tax will be eliminated. The city will progress towards paver-block-free, accessible footpaths.

The leaders stressed that open spaces will be safeguarded from developers. The manifesto promises the immediate execution of a Climate Action Plan to manage the Air Quality Index (AQI) and ensure urban development does not compromise the environment, alongside an International Financial Centre and a Maritime Tourism Hub on 1,800 acres of Mumbai Port Trust land.

Plans also encompass an Olympic-standard Sports City and a Mass Rapid Mobility Ring Road Grid around Mumbai.

The manifesto emphasizes desalination plants and the prompt completion of Sewage Treatment Plants (STP). New buildings must include rainwater harvesting systems to guarantee adequate clean drinking water for all. Every ward will receive a mini sports complex and a modern gymnasium.

A distinctive 'Mumbaikar Stand' with 1 percent reserved seating will be instituted at city concerts and cricket matches for local youth. The administration will be enhanced through Digital Mapping of the city and the deployment of AI-driven Chatbots for all municipal services.

The manifesto includes a dedicated plan for Pet Parks, Clinics, Ambulances, and Crematoriums. Additionally, they pledged to construct the country’s largest library named after B.R. Ambedkar.

The collaborative unveiling by Aditya and Amit Thackeray showcases a consolidated front against their political opponents, centering on a “Mumbai-First” agenda that integrates infrastructure advancement with significant social support.