Uddhav And Raj Thackeray Unveil ‘Vachan Nama’ For Mumbai Civic Polls, Attack BJP

Mumbai: Politics is heating up ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray released a joint manifesto, 'Vachan Nama.'. Both appeared together after 20 years. He made many big promises. He considers these as the message of “protecting Marathi people and Mumbai.” He said that this is the “Shiv-Shakti” alliance. The manifesto includes schemes like strength of hope, health, cheap living, and food for Rs 10. 

What are the major promises in the manifesto?

• Supporting women and Koli women will get 'Swabhiman Nidhi' of Rs 1500 per month.
• There will be “Maa Saheb” kitchen facilities for Rs 10.
• Property tax will be waived on houses up to 700 square feet.
• There are plans for new facilities and junior colleges in good public schools.
• There is an announcement of a health center, pet clinic, and super specialist hospital in every ward.

Which issue is being said to be the center of the elections?

Uddhav-Raj Thackeray described Marathi identity as an election issue with the manifesto. He has said that Marathi identity should be respected in Mumbai.

How is the alliance targeting BJP?

Both the leaders have targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party. He has alleged that the BJP is weakening democracy and trying to control the candidates.

Does the manifesto send a clear message?

The message from Uddhav and Raj is that the focus will be on local issues, Marathi-Hindu identity, and employment. This alliance is mainly targeting the local Marathi community and Mumbaikars.

Will the impact of the alliance be seen on BMC seats?

The party has already decided the distribution of seats. Seats have been divided between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. This alliance is ready to compete with the BJP-Shinde faction.

What is the slogan behind the coalition's mayor?

Other parties in the country believe that the elections have gone beyond just local issues and have become a battle for identity and power. Opposition parties are seeing it turning into Hindu-Marathi and secular discourse.

Is the strategy of the opposition parties different?

Some parties, like IMIM, have made the issue of secularism and diversity a part of the elections. He has said that the mayor can be from any community if he has faith in the Constitution.
 
How are BJP's election preparations going?

BJP has given 55% women candidates in the lineup. This is believed to be an attempt to put women forward among the public candidates.  BMC elections are to be held on January 15. This is an important election for the politics of Mumbai, because it is the largest municipal corporation in the country.

Why is this election special?

Issues like Marathi identity, local governance, women's empowerment, cheap food, health care, and tax exemption are important in this election. This can be decisive for the voters.