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

Ahmedabad, April 6 (IANS) 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.