MNS chief Raj Thackeray's blueprint: Autonomous status for Maharashtra

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Thursday demanded an autonomous status for Maharashtra even as the party unveiled its much-touted blueprint eight years after he announced his vision for the state.

Tagged with the punchline 'He shakya aahe' (it is possible), the blueprint was unveiled by Thackeray who stated that an autonomous status for Maharashtra will help in its long-run development as it will be possible to frame and execute region-centric policies.

"We are not seeking an independent state, but an autonomous Maharashtra. This is because people sitting in Delhi don't know what are our woes. We are the people who understand local issues. Hence, we are for autonomous status for Maharashtra," Thackeray said, addressing a packed house of partymen and Marathi film celebrities at Matunga's Shanmukhanand Hall.

During the presentation made, Thackeray tried to woo voters from different segments like farmers, women, security personnel (police) besides youth, in a way launching his campaign for the October 15 polls.

"All these years, politicos have been promising to solve the same issues. But nobody tells how. When will we start thinking beyond basic needs? The blueprint talks about our vision and action plan to achieve the goal. This study required hell-bent research, which took time. But I am happy to bring this report out," he said.

While the blueprint proposes populist idea like complete waiver for farmers and executing direct marketing, the development plan largely focuses on urban issues like development of 5,000 grounds across state, public transport, traffic management, resolving parking issues by developing lots beneath grounds, water transport, etc.