What is the story about?
The BMC elections, being held after a delay of four years, have put all stakeholders on their toes. Along with the hodgepodge of alliances that this election has become, it will also be remembered for the role freebies are expected to play once again.
It is a prestige battle for Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, as the Thackeray cousins have come together for the first time, formed an alliance, and are fighting the elections together in the name of ‘Marathi Asmita’. The Thackeray cousins (UBT–MNS) are leaving no stone unturned to secure victory. They have now announced a list of welfare schemes/freebies.
UBT-MNS has announced that under the ‘Swabhiman Nidhi Scheme’, it will distribute ₹1,500 per month to women engaged in domestic work. Women engaged in domestic or household work will have to register themselves in their wards, and they will receive ₹1,500 per month if the Thackeray cousins’ alliance wins. The announcement of the scheme is being seen as an effort to take on the BJP-led Mahayuti government’s Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojna, which played a huge role in securing a historic victory for the alliance in the 2024 state assembly elections.
The announcement was made when UBT (Aditya Thackeray) and MNS (Amit Thackeray) conducted a joint workshop of their candidates on issues to highlight. These promises will also be part of the UBT-MNS manifesto.
UBT-MNS has also announced free electricity for domestic users up to 100 units through BEST.
The Thackeray cousins’ alliance has also promised the Maa Saheb Kitchen scheme, under which breakfast and lunch will be served for only ₹10. UBT-MNS has also announced a property tax exemption for houses up to 700 sq ft, increased from the current limit of 500 sq ft, and a subsidy of Rs 1 lakh to societies for eco-friendly facilities.
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UBT-MNS has announced that if it wins the BMC, 25,000 gig workers and dabbawallahs will be eligible for interest-free loans for e-bikes. Under the Hon Balasaheb Thackeray Self-Employement Scheme, one lakh young people will be provided self-employment assistance ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh.
The alliance has also announced that the BMC will start its own ambulance service and have its own cancer hospital.
UBT-MNS has further promised reduced BEST bus fares, water for all, and free parking at BMC parking lots, among other commitments.
