Uddhav-Raj Thackeray Alliance Unveils ‘Vachan Nama’ Manifesto for BMC Polls, Promises Marathi Leadership and Civic Reforms

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Sunday jointly released their manifesto, titled ‘Vachan Nama’, for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15, signaling a renewed thrust in their political alliance. The manifesto was unveiled at a joint press conference held at Shiv Sena Bhawan in Mumbai, a venue that Raj Thackeray returned to after nearly two decades. The cover page prominently features both Thackeray cousins alongside the Shiv Sena emblem, symbolising their revived collaboration.

Addressing the media, Uddhav Thackeray asserted that “Mumbai’s mayor will be a Marathi”, a sentiment echoed by Raj Thackeray, who emphasised that the mayor of Mumbai and other cities in Maharashtra must be Marathi, underscoring that respect for the Marathi language remains non-negotiable. The joint declaration reflects the alliance’s intent to consolidate Marathi identity while pursuing urban governance reforms.

The ‘Vachan Nama’ manifesto outlines a series of civic initiatives aimed at improving urban living conditions. Key promises include the development of affordable housing, stronger infrastructure in healthcare, education, and public transport, and targeted social welfare programs. Notably, the manifesto proposes the Swabhiman Nidhi scheme, which will provide Rs 1,500 per month to women domestic workers and Koli women, ensuring economic support for marginalised communities.

On public transport, the alliance promises to reduce the minimum BEST bus fare from Rs 10 to Rs 5, expand bus routes, and enhance accessibility. Property reforms include exemption of property tax on homes up to 700 square feet and ensuring one parking space per flat in redeveloped buildings. These measures aim to address long-standing civic issues while promoting inclusive development.

Both leaders launched a pointed critique of the BJP-led Mahayuti government, alleging manipulation of electoral processes in certain wards where candidates were declared winners unopposed. Uddhav Thackeray demanded that elections in these wards be cancelled and re-conducted, claiming that voters were being denied their democratic rights. “Democracy is being undermined. The atmosphere in the country is like democracy has been taken over by mobocracy,” he said, accusing the ruling parties of interfering in elections. He further alleged a pattern of “candidate-stealing” following previous instances of “vote-stealing,” urging the State Election Commission (SEC) to take strict action.

Uddhav also highlighted alleged large-scale corruption in the BMC since his government fell in 2022, claiming that while the civic body’s annual expenditure is around Rs 15,000 crore, advance mobilisation payments to contractors have ballooned to nearly Rs 3 lakh crore, allegedly influencing elections. Targeting Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, he accused him of threatening candidates and voters, interfering in the nomination process, violating the model code of conduct, and tampering with CCTV footage—charges Narwekar dismissed as politically motivated.

Raj Thackeray warned the BJP that power is not permanent, questioning its silence over unopposed victories in Maharashtra and recalling the party’s earlier legal interventions in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has sought a detailed report from the BMC chief following complaints regarding rejected nomination forms in Colaba wards, where relatives of Speaker Narwekar are contesting.

The BMC elections will be held on January 15 for 2,869 seats across 893 wards in 29 municipal corporations statewide, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, with counting scheduled for January 16. In Mumbai alone, 227 seats are up for grabs. The Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance has finalised seat-sharing, with Shiv Sena (UBT) contesting 145–150 seats, the MNS 65–70 seats, and 10–12 seats allotted to the NCP, reflecting a coordinated approach ahead of the polls.

The release of the ‘Vachan Nama’ manifesto marks a decisive moment for the Thackeray cousins as they seek to reclaim influence in Mumbai politics while addressing civic challenges, strengthening Marathi identity, and promising inclusive urban governance.