The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has pulled out all the stops for the upcoming Thane civic polls, unveiling a manifesto on Monday that promises to literally reshape the city’s skyline. The launch took place at Anand Ashram — the former office of Shinde’s late mentor, Anand Dighe — and was headed by state minister Pratap Sarnaik and MP Naresh Mhaske.
The most eye-catching proposal is a massive 260-metre viewing tower planned for the Mogharpada area. This ₹8,000 crore project isn't just a tall spire; the party envisions a full-scale commercial hub featuring a convention centre, luxury hotel, and shopping mall, designed to give Thane an international-style observation deck with panoramic creek views.
On a more local level, the manifesto leans heavily into a "slum-free Thane" vision. Naresh Mhaske explained that the party intends to use massive urban renewal and "cluster development" schemes to move residents from slums into permanent, high-quality housing. The plan also promises to tackle the city's notorious traffic with a network of new flyovers and improved road connectivity for the rapidly growing residential hubs.
Pratap Sarnaik focused on the social side of the pitch, pledging an end to Thane's long-standing water shortages and the introduction of the 'Arogya Apala Dari' health scheme for the elderly. The manifesto also includes plans for "vertical sports complexes" and an upgrade for the Dadoji Konddev Stadium to bring it up to international standards.
Interestingly, while the Shiv Sena and their allies, the Bharatiya Janata Party, are running as a unified "Mahayuti" front for the January 15 elections, they have released separate manifestos.
Later that day, Shinde himself hit the campaign trail, leading rallies where he issued a stern warning about "rebel" candidates. He urged voters not to be fooled by independents claiming to have his secret backing, stating clearly that his support lies only with the official alliance names. He also made a point of reassuring women voters that popular welfare programmes like the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme are here to stay, while promising that ₹950 crore already earmarked for Ghodbunder’s development is just the beginning.
Also read: Maha local polls a 'trailer' for January civic elections: Shinde
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