<h1>Deputy Chief Minister Announces Major Infrastructure Upgrades and Joint Election Plans Within 18 Months</h1> The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister announced plans to improve Mumbai's infrastructure, including pothole-free roads, enhanced metro connectivity, and better sanitation within 18 months. The ruling alliance intends to contest upcoming local elections jointly, emphasizing development achievements during their tenure. The announcement criticized the previous administration for neglecting infrastructure projects, causing delays in metro expansion and sewage treatment. The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted ongoing efforts such as road concretization, sewage treatment plants, expanded metro networks, free medical clinics in slums, and resumed slum rehabilitation housing projects. The political contest in the forthcoming municipal elections is expected to focus on these development initiatives and governance performance.