The ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra has laid out its vision for the development of Kolhapur, releasing its manifesto for the upcoming Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) elections on Friday. The document promises a wide range of infrastructural and civic improvements aimed at transforming the city.
Key Promises for Kolhapur's Future
The manifesto assures citizens of significant upgrades across multiple sectors. A major highlight is the promise of a new KMC administrative building. The alliance also committed to standardizing property tax rates across the state to ensure fairness. For urban mobility, the manifesto pledges a fleet of 200 electric buses in collaboration with the Kolhapur Municipal Transport (KMT).
Environmental and beautification projects form a core part of the plan. The alliance has vowed to stop sewage from entering the iconic Rankala Lake and to undertake the beautification of the Panchaganga ghats. Other civic promises include city-wide concrete roads, enhanced CCTV coverage, improved sanitation, renovation of playgrounds, and the creation of additional parking facilities. In a significant move for social welfare, the manifesto also includes providing property cards for slum dwellers.
Ministers Detail Approved Projects and Funding
The manifesto release event saw the presence of key state leaders, including Guardian Minister Prakash Abitkar, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik, and State Planning Commission Head MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar.
Dhananjay Mahadik emphasized that the manifesto includes already approved projects. "We came forward with the approved projects," he stated, listing important works like the development of the Mahalaxmi Temple, creating a pollution-free Panchaganga River, flood control measures, a flyover, a basket bridge, and an IT park, all of which are reportedly underway.
Chandrakant Patil provided crucial financial details, revealing that Rs 1400 crore has been allocated for major projects. "With the help of the World Bank, a plan for flood control, a fixed site for an IT park, a cricket stadium, as well as Mahalaxmi and Jyotiba Temple development plans were provided funds of Rs 1400 crore," he explained.
A Call for Trust in Mahayuti's Commitment
Guardian Minister Prakash Abitkar directly appealed to the voters, asking them to place their faith in the Mahayuti coalition's dedication to fulfilling these promises. The manifesto and the ministers' statements position the alliance as the group with a concrete, funded plan for Kolhapur's progress, aiming to secure public mandate based on a development agenda that spans infrastructure, environment, heritage, and social welfare.
The release sets the stage for a competitive election, with the ruling alliance highlighting its access to state resources and project approvals as a key advantage for accelerating Kolhapur's growth.
