The Indian National Congress on Thursday laid out its vision for Pune's civic future, releasing a comprehensive manifesto for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections. The document outlines a series of populist and developmental promises aimed at addressing key concerns of residents, from taxation and transport to law and order and infrastructure.
Key Electoral Promises for Pune Voters
At the heart of the Congress's electoral pledges are significant financial relief measures and enhanced public services. The party has made a bold commitment to abolish property tax entirely for residential houses measuring up to 500 square feet. In a move targeting women's mobility and safety, the manifesto promises to introduce free bus services for women across the city. Furthermore, addressing a growing concern, the party vows a strict crackdown on the 'koyta gang' and other criminal elements to improve the overall law and order situation in Pune.
Criticism of BJP and Focus on Workers' Welfare
While releasing the manifesto, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan launched a sharp attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He held the BJP responsible for a collapse in civic governance and missed economic opportunities. "Despite being in power, the BJP failed to promote civic development, and instead, the city's infrastructure has collapsed," Chavan stated. He highlighted that Pune lost potential investments, like semiconductor manufacturing units, due to traffic congestion and poor infrastructure, which he claimed is driving companies away.
The Congress's plan also includes significant welfare measures for the city's workforce. New initiatives proposed are a facilitation centre for gig workers and dedicated rest and sanitation facilities for unorganised sector labourers at Majur Adda (labour assembly points). The party has promised to construct a Molkarin Bhavan, a dedicated facility for domestic workers, and introduce a Mahanagar Health Card to streamline access to civic health services.
Infrastructure, Education, and Political Allegations
On the infrastructure front, the Congress has committed to completing the long-pending High Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR) project. However, it plans to cancel proposed tunnel projects, citing potential environmental damage. The manifesto also seeks to strengthen existing schemes by increasing scholarships for meritorious students and reserving housing in municipal projects for sportspersons.
Congress leaders did not miss the chance to target their political rivals. Satej Patil, the party's Pune election coordinator, accused the BJP and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of misleading voters. "The BJP and NCP are allies in the state government but are contesting against each other in civic polls. Their leaders sit together in cabinet meetings, yet blame each other for civic and law-and-order failures," Patil said. He challenged them to declare that they would not form a post-poll alliance after the elections if they truly believed in their mutual accusations.
The manifesto release sets the stage for a competitive civic poll, with the Congress positioning itself as a party focused on direct citizen benefits, workers' rights, and sustainable urban development.
