BMC elections 2017: Uddhav Thackeray promises no tax for all flats up to 500 sq ft

MUMBAI: For the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, political parties are leaving no stone unturned to lure voters. After the Congress and Bhartiya janata Party (BJP) announced tax sops for citizens, the Shiv Sena on Thursday too came up with their freebies.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led party announced that if elected, they would abolish the property tax for all flats up to 500 sq ft in the city.They also announced that homes measuring 500 to 700 sq ft will get tax rebates. “Our relation with Mumbaikars is not restricted to votes and elections. Should Mumbaikars only pay tax all their life? There will be no property tax for flats upto 500 sq ft. Mumbaikar’s are always burdened by tax and this will bring a lot of relief to them,” Uddhav added.
Upping the ante in the political set-up, Uddhav Thackeray also flagged free medical treatment for Mumbaikars under Balasaheb Thackeray Health Cover. People would be able to avail free health cover under this scheme.
Taking a dig at its own ally in the state government, the Sena chief said, “Shiv Sena doesn’t give out poll jhumlas. We keep our promises. Acche din was a poll trick but my announcements are not gimmicks. I will do what I say.”
BMC is the richest municipal body in Asia and these rebates may cast a huge impact on its coffers. However, Uddhav clarified that the tax benefits wouldn’t empty the treasury.
“We will also give tax benefits to buildings that install rainwater harvesting systems. The others might have hurt you but the Shiv Sena will never do that,” Uddhav said.
He also refused to clear the air around the seat sharing issue between the Sena-BJP. “Talks haven’t reached me yet. Our leaders have responded to the BJP’s transparency talk,” Uddhav said.
While Uddhav did not formally launch the party’s poll manifesto, he hinted that the Sena has several beneficial schemes for citizens in the offing. On the other hand, BJP has also invited suggestions from people to include in its manifesto. According to a senior BJP leader who is part of manifesto committee of the party, it received more than 2,000 suggestions from people.