Shiv Sena UBT-MNS ‘Vachan Nama’ for BMC Polls: Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray Release Manifesto for Mumbai BMC Elections 2026; Maa Saheb Kitchens, Property Tax Waiver Among Key Pledges

Mumbai, January 4: In a historic political development, Uddhav Thackeray of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Sunday, January 4, jointly released their manifesto, "Vachan Nama," for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2026. Property Tax Waiver, Maa Saheb Kitchens are among the key pledges in Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS "Vachan Nama" for the BMC Elections 2026.

The Thackeray cousins, who have shared a tense political rivalry for nearly two decades, projected a unified front termed "Shiv-Shakti," aimed at safeguarding the interests of the Marathi Manoos and challenging the dominance of the BJP-led ruling alliance. BMC Elections 2026: Close Fight Between Shiv Sena UBT, Eknath Shinde Faction on 69 Seats, BJP and Uddhav Thackeray Camp on 97 Seats.

Thackeray Cousins Unveil ‘Vachan Nama’ for BMC Elections 2026

Shiv Sena UBT-MNS ‘Vachan Nama’ for BMC Elections 2026

The manifesto launch served as a platform for a coordinated attack on the state’s ruling coalition. Uddhav Thackeray alleged a systematic "erosion of democratic values," claiming that the electoral process has been manipulated to allow several ruling party candidates to be elected unopposed.

Describing the current political climate as a transition from "democracy to mobocracy," Thackeray demanded an investigation into these unopposed victories and called for re-elections in those specific wards to restore voters' rights. 2026 Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Election Results: Unopposed vs NOTA Rule.

Shiv Sena UBT-MNS ‘Vachan Nama’: Key Pledges

The "Vachan Nama" prioritises direct financial relief for residents, with a particular focus on women and middle-class families. A flagship proposal, the Swabhiman Nidhi scheme, promises a monthly allowance of INR 1,500 for domestic helpers and Koli women, drawing parallels to the state's existing Ladki Bahin Yojana.

• Property Tax Waiver: Extending the current tax waiver to include residential houses up to 700 square feet.
• Maa Saheb Kitchens: Establishing subsidized kitchens to provide breakfast and lunch for just INR 10.
• Utility Subsidies: Providing up to 100 units of free electricity for residential consumers.
• Affordable Housing: A commitment to construct 1,00,000 houses specifically for the Marathi-speaking population over the next five years.

On the infrastructure front, the alliance proposed a "Reinventing Mumbai" plan, which includes developing a new international financial center on 1,800 acres of Mumbai Port land. For daily commuters, the manifesto promises a reduction in the minimum BEST bus fare from INR 10 to INR 5 and the introduction of 10,000 new electric buses to the city's fleet.

The document also emphasizes education and healthcare, proposing the expansion of BMC-run "Mumbai Public Schools" to cover classes from Junior KG to Class 12. In the health sector, the leaders promised the establishment of a dedicated municipal cancer hospital and the expansion of medical colleges to major civic hospitals like Rajawadi and Shatabdi.

Beyond civic issues, the press conference was marked by serious allegations against Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Thackeray accused Narwekar of overstepping his authority by allegedly threatening opposition candidates and instructing officials to withdraw security cover for certain leaders. "This is extremely shocking," Thackeray said, calling for Narwekar's immediate suspension and legal action.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 04, 2026 03:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).