Sena (UBT) manifesto released: Free education for boys to affordable housing, scrapping Dharavi project to free travel for women

Additionally, the manifesto promises to build grand temples dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in every district.

Thackeray also outlined plans to check the prices of five essential commodities — wheat, rice, dal, oil, and sugar — without impacting farmers. Another significant promise is the expansion of the ‘Shiv Bhojan Yojana’, a scheme that provides nutritious meals to the public for just Rs 10.

During the press conference, Thackeray reiterated the MVA’s pledge to offer free education to male students, aligning them with the benefits extended to female students. In addition, job fairs will be organised every three months in every district to promote employment.

On the controversial Dharavi redevelopment project, the former chief minister reiterated that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) would scrap the current plan, which he claimed could have adverse effects on Mumbai. The MVA would also reclaim land given to the Adani group. He said that new tenders will be issued to provide housing for Dharavi residents with adequate facilities for their businesses and industries.

Further, the manifesto outlines a policy to provide affordable housing for “sons of the soil” in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, keeping rapid urbanisation in mind. Thackeray also promised that the MVA would create a comprehensive housing policy for Maharashtra and Mumbai.

In a bid to protect the interests of traditional fishing communities, the MVA also proposed scrapping the cluster development plan for Koliwadas (fishing settlements) and Gaothans (villages). Redevelopment in these areas will be carried out only after consulting with the local residents.