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Congress Unveils 'People's Manifesto' for Gujarat Civic Polls, Vows Accountability

The Congress party has released a detailed "People's Manifesto" for key urban centres in Gujarat ahead of statewide local body elections later this month. The document, launched by former Union Minister Bharatsinh Solanki, is based on public consultations and outlines pledges on urban governance, healthcare, education, employment, and infrastructure. It includes specific promises like ending contractual hiring in municipalities, establishing 24-hour health centres, and ensuring pothole-free roads. The party positions this as a time-bound and accountable blueprint, marking a shift in its political approach ahead of a multi-cornered contest.

Key Points: Congress Releases Gujarat Civic Polls 'People's Manifesto'

  • Door-to-door waste collection & river cleaning
  • 24-hour health centres & free diagnostics
  • Permanent municipal jobs for local youth
  • Pothole-free roads & public transport upgrade
  • Tax relief & safety measures for women
3 min read

Congress unveils 'People's Manifesto' for Gujarat cities ahead of local polls

Congress pledges urban governance reforms in Gujarat local body elections, focusing on waste management, healthcare, jobs, and infrastructure in its manifesto.

"Every word carries the voice and emotions of the people. - Bharatsinh Solanki"

Ahmedabad, April 6

With Gujarat set to vote in statewide local body elections later this month, the Congress on Monday released a "People's Manifesto" for key urban centres, positioning it as a governance roadmap ahead of polling scheduled for April 26.

The manifesto, described by the party as a "Congress Commitment", has been announced for major cities including Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar and Porbandar, with separate city-specific pledges addressing local issues.

Party leaders said similar documents for other municipal corporations will follow in the coming days.

The civic polls, which will cover 15 municipal corporations along with municipalities and panchayats, are expected to see participation from over four crore voters, making them one of the largest local electoral exercises in the state.

Counting is scheduled for April 28. Launching the manifesto in Ahmedabad, former Union Minister Bharatsinh Solanki said the document was based on direct public consultation rather than conventional political promises.

"We went to the people, sat among them, listened to their issues and prepared this manifesto. Every word carries the voice and emotions of the people," he said, adding that politics for the party was about bringing "positive change in people's lives".

The manifesto outlines a range of urban governance measures, including strengthened door-to-door waste collection, river cleaning, and expansion of green cover to address pollution.

It also promises improved water supply with adequate pressure, separation of drinking water and sewer lines, and modern stormwater systems to tackle waterlogging.

In healthcare, the party has proposed 24-hour ward-level health centres, free diagnostic services, and multi-speciality hospitals, alongside free check-ups for senior citizens.

Education and youth-focused commitments include modern schools in every ward, digital libraries, Wi-Fi zones, AI-based learning, and free coaching for competitive examinations.

On employment, the Congress has pledged immediate permanent recruitment in municipal vacancies, an end to contractual hiring, and priority for local youth.

Measures for women include tax relief on property and vehicles, dedicated parking and sanitation facilities, hostels and childcare support, and enhanced safety arrangements.

Infrastructure proposals feature pothole-free roads, public audits of construction quality, new flyovers, smart traffic systems, and improved public transport.

The manifesto also includes legal recognition and designated zones for street vendors, affordable housing policies with a "rehabilitation before demolition" approach, and expanded facilities for senior citizens and sports.

Party leaders present at multiple launch events across cities said the document was a "time-bound, accountable, and transparent" blueprint that would be implemented on priority if voted to power.

They described it as a shift from "promise-based politics" to a structured delivery plan.

The announcement comes amid an intensifying multi-cornered contest involving the BJP, Congress, AAP, and other parties across thousands of seats.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The focus on women's safety, childcare support, and tax relief is very welcome. As a working mother in Ahmedabad, dedicated parking and sanitation facilities would make a huge difference in my daily life. Hope this isn't just another set of promises 🤞
R
Rohit P
Pothole-free roads and public audits for construction quality? That's the dream! Every monsoon our roads turn into rivers. If they can actually fix the drainage and waterlogging, they'll get my vote. Action speaks louder than words.
S
Sarah B
While the manifesto is comprehensive, I'm skeptical. Every party makes big promises before elections. The "rehabilitation before demolition" policy for affordable housing sounds good, but implementation is the real challenge. Need to see a clear funding plan.
V
Vikram M
Good to see focus on Sabarmati river cleaning and green cover. Our cities need to breathe. The 24-hour health centres and free diagnostics for seniors is a much-needed step. My parents would really benefit from this. Hope it's not just on paper.
K
Kavya N
Wi-Fi zones, digital libraries, and AI-based learning in every ward? This is what our youth needs to compete globally! The free coaching for competitive exams could be a lifeline for middle-class students. Promising a future, not just fixing past problems 👍
M
Michael C

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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