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Maharashtra Revenue Minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule criticised the developmental track record of both Thackeray brothers (Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav and MNS chief Raj Thackeray), asserting that Mumbai has outgrown "emotional politics" in favour of actual progress.
Bawankule argued that despite Uddhav Thackeray's tenure as Chief Minister and the Shiv Sena's 25-year control over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), "they failed to produce a sustainable development plan for the city." The Minister credited the CM Devendra Fadnavis for drafting the current roadmap for Mumbai's infrastructure, stating that the city's modern transformation is a direct result of Fadnavis's vision. He alleged that Uddhav Thackeray relies solely on Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy to evoke emotional responses from voters during elections, as they lack a substantive track record of progress. Expressing high confidence for the upcoming 2026 municipal contests, Bawankule claimed the BJP-Mahayuti alliance will secure the Mayor's post in Mumbai with a two-thirds majority. Bawankule's remarks signal a clear strategy for the BJP, which is shifting the electoral narrative from identity and heritage to infrastructure and urban planning. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday unveiled their joint manifesto, 'Vachan Nama', for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The manifesto's cover prominently featured a photograph of the Thackeray brothers alongside Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. The Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance pledged to provide affordable housing and strengthen infrastructure across healthcare, public transport, and education sectors. Under the manifesto, women employed as domestic workers and Koli women are to receive a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 under the proposed 'Swabhiman Nidhi' scheme. The alliance has also said that if it comes to power, it will cut the minimum fare to Rs 5 from Rs 10 and add more buses and routes. They also promised to scrap property tax on homes up to 700 sq ft and change parking rules so that each flat in redeveloped buildings gets one parking space. Polling for 29 municipal corporation elections across the state, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16. (ANI)
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