Congress Launches ‘Urban Transformation Group’ in Maharashtra: What It Means for Pune and Other Cities
Pune, 20th August 2026: The Congress on Wednesday launched its ‘Urban Transformation Group’ initiative across major cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nanded, on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi.
The initiative aims to bring citizens, civil society organisations, urban experts, professionals, students and young people together to identify and address civic and urban challenges.
The launch events were attended by senior Congress leaders and office-bearers across the state. Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan attended the programme in Nashik, while Urban Transformation Group state president and AICC secretary Sachin Sawant was present in Mumbai.
In Pune, the programme was attended by state convenor Sangram Khopade, Pune (East) city president Prashant Jagtap, Pune (West) city president Deepti Chaudhari and senior MPCC spokesperson Gopal Tiwari.
Former UGC chairman Dr Sukhadeo Thorat and Nagpur Congress city president Praful Gudadhe Patil attended the launch in Nagpur. MP Ravindra Chavan was present in Nanded, while Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city president Adv. Sayyed Akram attended the programme there.
Focus on urban challenges
Speaking about the initiative, Khopade said Maharashtra’s cities are facing several challenges, including traffic congestion, water shortages, waste management, rising pollution, inadequate public transport, lack of affordable housing, and gaps in healthcare, education and urban infrastructure.
“Despite citizens paying ₹28 lakh crore to government coffers over the last 12 years and more than ₹1.25 lakh crore in bribes, cities in Maharashtra face severe challenges,” Khopade said.
He said the Urban Transformation Group would seek to address these issues through citizen participation and long-term, sustainable solutions.
According to the Congress, the initiative draws on Rajiv Gandhi’s vision of a modern, technology-driven India and stronger local self-governance. The party said the group would function as an open and collaborative forum rather than merely a political platform.
The initiative plans to involve citizens, civil society organisations, urban experts, working professionals, students, youth and members of Gen Z in discussions on urban development.
“Transforming cities requires more than just changing governments; it requires building an active citizens’ movement dedicated to solving urban issues,” Khopade said.
The Congress said the initiative, launched in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Nanded and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, would subsequently be expanded to other cities across Maharashtra.
