The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance on Sunday unveiled a manifesto for the upcoming civic body elections in the metropolis of Mumbai, with promises ranging from ātechnology-led governanceā to making India's financial capital "a global powerhouse", to "freeing" the city from an alleged influx of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants.
The ruling Mahayuti alliance of Maharashtra, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and RPI(A), released their manifesto for the much-anticipated and upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The NCP (Ajit Pawar) has been kept at bay for the time being after the party forged an alliance with Sharad Pawar's faction in Pune. The alliance has promised a vast array of developmental projects and has promised to turn Mumbai into a 'global powerhouse,' Hindustan Times reported.
What has the Mahayuti promised?
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the manifesto. A 50 per cent concession on fares for women in BEST buses was promised. Fadnavis noted that the alliance would employ Japanese technology for the handling of civic issues. He also said that municipal services would be brought to people's mobile devices.
Fadnavis also talked about the employment of Artificial Intelligence to fight corruption, and also to use the technology for other purposes.
The BMC was ruled by the Shiv Sena from 1997 to 2022. The Shiv Sena (UBT) is the principal opposition in the body now. The undivided Shiv Sena was the longest ally of the BJP, and the lotus brigade was a part of the municipal body's governing council for most of Shiv Sena's rule. "Our goal is a corruption-free municipal corporation," Fadnavis said, reported PTI.
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Mahayuti promises AI-driven development
Fadnavis also said that AI laboratories will be set up in all municipal schools.
He stated that issues related to insider-outsider identity and migration are key promises in the manifesto. Speaking on migration, Fadnavis said Mumbai would be freed of Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants. He also referred to the migration of Myanmar's persecuted Muslim community.
He added that an AI-based tool would be developed with the help of IIT to identify Bangladeshi migrants. However, there is no official data on such migration or its claimed impact on the economy and society.
Transport and women's safety were also highlighted in the manifesto. Fadnavis said the alliance plans to increase the BEST bus fleet from about 5,000 to 10,000 buses, shift to electric buses, and offer a 50 per cent fare concession for women passengers.
Fadnavis said IIT will form a research team to study Mumbai's topography and prepare a drainage plan. This will include four new underground floodwater tanks and upgrades to existing drains.
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The manifesto promised a flood-free Mumbai within five years. A fund of Rs. 17,000 crore will be allocated for a climate action plan and a circular economy model.
On the Dharavi redevelopment, Fadnavis said micro businesses will be upgraded, and even ineligible residents will be included.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said development will go hand in hand with protecting Marathi culture. He announced a new cultural department in the BMC, along with plans for Marathi libraries, cultural centres, and a 'Mumbai Fellowship' for Marathi youth, Hindustan Times reported.
