Mumbai

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Sunday said the Mahayuti government would prioritise development initiatives aimed at benefiting the Marathi community.

Speaking at the launch of the Mahayuti manifesto for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shinde outlined a range of infrastructure and welfare measures, including large-scale housing projects, urban renewal, and environmental initiatives.

“Our development is for Marathis. We will do ten times more for them. Mumbai needs to be brought back to its people,” Shinde said, invoking the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

He said the government aims to construct 30–35 lakh homes across the state and is working towards making Mumbai slum-free, a vision he described as central to Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology. Referring to redevelopment efforts, Shinde said a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project in Ghatkopar would benefit around 17,000 people.

Shinde also announced plans to position Mumbai as a global fintech hub, set up a world-class university, strengthen road infrastructure, and make the city pothole-free. He said the government would invest Rs 17,000 crore to address pollution and improve environmental conditions in the city.

Highlighting social initiatives, Shinde said a decision has been taken to provide 50 per cent reservation for women in BEST services. He also mentioned plans to build multiplex theatres catering to Marathi audiences.

The Mahayuti manifesto was jointly launched by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde.

Earlier in the day, former MLA Dagdu Sakpal quit the Shiv Sena (UBT) and joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena ahead of the BMC elections. He formally joined the party in Shinde’s presence.

Meanwhile, political activity has intensified ahead of the civic polls. On Thursday, 12 suspended Congress corporators from Ambernath municipal council joined the BJP. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aditya Thackeray accused the BJP of indulging in “dirty and communal politics” and failing to address key public issues.

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Polling for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16.