Ahmedabad, April 6 The opposition Congress on Monday released its manifestos for upcoming elections to seven major municipal corporations in Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, focusing on improving civic services, healthcare, education facilities, and tax relief if elected to govern them.
Polling for local self-government bodies, including 15 municipal corporations, will be held on April 26 for nearly 10,000 seats, with counting scheduled on April 28.
Of the 15 cities, the Congress released its manifestos for Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Surendranagar. All these seven urban civic bodies are currently ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In Ahmedabad, the opposition party listed 10 key promises in its manifesto. These include expanding health services with free diagnostic facilities such as X-ray and testing at the ward level, reducing property tax from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, and building "high-tech public schools."
The party also promised to clean the Sabarmati river and make Ahmedabad one of the top 5 cities in India with the lowest Air Quality Index (AQI). Other key promises include building roads that would last for 10 years, providing clean drinking water through tap connections, and creating "Janta Audit Committees" to monitor the quality of streets.
For Rajkot, the party has promised a special development package for newly developed areas such as Madhapar and Munjka. It has proposed tax exemptions of up to 70 per cent and 50 per cent relief for residential houses. A 25-minute water distribution system and a 'Water Task Force' for disposing of dirty water have also been promised.
Other key commitments include free parking and walkable footpaths in every zone, city bus service in peripheral areas, and free travel for female students. The party has also promised digital schools, free coaching centers, and WiFi zones, along with sports grounds in every zone.
The manifesto for Rajkot further includes reserved land plots for SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories, special facilities for women such as gyms and libraries, 50 per cent job reservation (in civic posts) for women, new health centres with 24/7 services, and free full-body check-ups.
In Surat, the Congress has promised tax relief and reduced cost of living. Key promises include 50 per cent property tax relief for women, waiver of road tax on new vehicles, and free bus travel for women and students. It has also proposed employment opportunities through 'Weekend Bazaar'.
Healthcare promises include the allotment of a 'Senior Citizen Card', free medicines, annual health check-ups, and 24-hour health centres in every ward. In education, the party has promised the appointment of permanent teachers, smart classes, and better infrastructure in government schools.
The Congress manifesto for Surat includes free two-wheeler parking, exemption from water meter charges, Rs 5 meals, and 24-hour clean water supply through 'Indira Canteen'. It has proposed vendor zones, licenses for small traders, night markets, and a transparent tax system.
Other commitments for the diamond city include better traffic management, removal of hanging wires, improved garbage systems, expansion of green cover, and strict action against irregularities in public works through a single-window system.
For Bhavnagar, the Congress has promised vendor zones at 120 locations for small roadside businesses and the legalization of houses built on raw (undeveloped) land. It has also assured legal rights for residents of Maftnagar.
The party has pledged to complete the long-pending ring road project and provide free travel passes in city buses for women, students, and senior citizens. It has promised a simple and transparent tax system for small traders and the construction of a flyover between Kumbharwada and Gadhechi Vadla in Bhavnagar.
Healthcare promises include 24/7 health centres in every ward of Bhavnagar and modern hospitals in the eastern and western parts of the city. Other commitments include concessional rental rates for auditoriums and the expansion of city bus services to uncovered areas.
The Congress has also released its manifesto for Porbandar and Surendranagar, focusing on improving civic amenities and public services.