BMC Elections: Mahayuti’s Pledge—Identifying Illegal Immigrants, a ‘Corruption-Free Mumbai,’ and Flood Relief Using AI

January 11, 2026

Mumbai: The BJP-led Mahayuti on Sunday released its manifesto for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. It promises to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify illegal immigrants in Mumbai. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “We will free Mumbai from Bangladeshis and Rohingyas.” He added that an AI tool to identify Bangladeshi immigrants will be developed with the help of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

He also said that the alliance will combine “Japanese technology” and local administration to solve civic problems and deliver services directly to citizens’ mobile phones.

AI to Curb Corruption

The manifesto places a special emphasis on technology-based governance. In addition to identifying illegal immigrants, AI will be used to curb corruption and enhance administrative efficiency. Fadnavis said, “Our goal is a corruption-free municipal corporation.” He also announced the establishment of AI labs in all municipal schools.

Attack on the opposition over ’25 years of incompetence’

Fadnavis targeted the opposition, saying that Mumbai has suffered “25 years of civic administrative incompetence.” He was referring to the undivided Shiv Sena, which ruled the BMC from 1997 to 2022, although the BJP was also part of the coalition for most of this period. Since the term of the elected house ends in March 2022, the BMC has been run by an administrator appointed by the state government.

Migration Issue Becomes a Major Election Promise

The manifesto highlights the issue of migration and the “insider-outsider” issue. Fadnavis reiterated his commitment to take strict action against illegal migration, including from Myanmar’s Rohingya community. However, no concrete official data is available on such migration or its socio-economic impact.

Transportation Improvements and Women’s Safety

Public transport and women’s safety are also key points in the manifesto. The Mahayuti has promised to increase the number of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses from approximately 5,000 to 10,000, promote electric vehicles, and provide a 50 percent fare concession for women passengers.

‘Flood-Free Mumbai’ and Climate Action Plan

The manifesto presents an ambitious plan for a “flood-free Mumbai,” aiming to free the city from waterlogging within the next five years. A research group from IIT is proposed to be formed to study Mumbai’s geological structure and prepare a drainage plan. It proposes the construction of four new underground water storage tanks and the redevelopment of existing drains.

In addition, a fund of ₹17,000 crore has been allocated under the climate action plan and a promise has been made to develop a “circular economy” model.

Dharavi Redevelopment and Housing Improvement

On the Dharavi redevelopment project, Fadnavis said that the upgradation of micro-businesses in the area will be ensured and ineligible residents will also be included in the project. The manifesto also promises resolution of tenancy disputes and the issuance of occupancy certificates to 20,000 stalled buildings.

Emphasis on Marathi Culture and Local Identity

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the preservation of Marathi culture alongside modernization. He announced the creation of a cultural department in the BMC, Marathi libraries, cultural centers, and the launch of a “Mumbai Fellowship” program for Marathi youth. He also stated that Mumbai’s history and the Samyukta Maharashtra movement would be included in school curriculums.

Health, Environment, and Community Development

Other key manifesto promises:

* Upgrading municipal hospitals to AIIMS level and introducing a health card system.

* Encouragement for high-rise buildings that adopt sustainable development.

* Protecting the identity and livelihood of the Koli community and indigenous people through the redevelopment of Koliwadas and Gaonthans.

The Mahayuti manifesto identifies technology, infrastructure, and cultural preservation as the cornerstones of Mumbai’s future development.