No novelty in Sena-BJP manifesto

The incumbent Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance in the civic body, which has constantly drawn flak for the poor condition of city roads, has promised to make them the ‘best in the country’ in two years, if they come to power.

The incumbent Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance in the civic body, which has constantly drawn flak for the poor condition of city roads, has promised to make them the ‘best in the country’ in two years, if they come to power.

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Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, state BJP president Sudhir Mungantiwar and Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale released their joint manifesto of the Sena-BJP-RPI alliance at the Sena Bhavan on Thursday.

The Sena-BJP alliance is eyeing its fourth consecutive term in the municipal body. However, much of the 100-odd promises in manifesto have been made before, or are part of the civic body’s ongoing work (see box: Old Wine in New Bottle?)

“We have only mentioned those things that are in the scope of the BMC and we’re sure of completing. The Congress-NCP alliance make false promises, such as extending the cut-off date for regularising slums, which never happens,” said Uddhav

The few new promises that made their way into the manifesto include making the city dust-free, a health information management system and introducing telemedicine in hospitals.

To woo Marathi voters, the parties have promised to build centres to promote local art, culture and cuisine.