Pune First: Congress Unveils Civic Poll Manifesto Promising Roads, Water, Transport Reforms
Pune, 9th January 2026: The Congress on Thursday released its manifesto for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections under the slogan “Pune First,” promising pothole-free roads, relief from traffic congestion, equitable water supply, strengthening of PMPML, upgradation of civic schools and infrastructure, pollution control, and the development of Pune as a tourism capital.
The manifesto, termed an “Adhikarnama,” was unveiled in the presence of senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and former minister and Pune in-charge MLA Satej Patil. City Congress president Arvind Shinde, former ministers Ramesh Bagwe, former MLA Mohan Joshi, Dipti Chaudhary, advocate Abhay Chhajed, Prashant Jagtap, Ajit Darekar, and city youth president Saurabh Amrale were also present.
Through the manifesto, the party highlighted the works carried out during its earlier tenure in the civic body, while also outlining priority areas if voted to power again. Addressing the gathering, Patil said the current ruling dispensation has failed to address core civic issues, particularly water supply. “Citizens had to approach the National Green Tribunal for adequate water. The BJP has made only announcements for Pune, but projects have not been completed on the ground. ‘Pune First’ will remain our central focus,” he said. He appealed to citizens to give the Congress five years, assuring that the party would honour its commitments.
Seat-sharing clarity
Arvind Shinde said there were no differences within the Maha Vikas Aghadi regarding seat-sharing. As per the arrangement, the Congress will contest 98 seats, while the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) will fight on 76 seats. Candidates from both parties are contesting in eight to nine wards, and a final decision on these will be taken shortly, he added.
Works highlighted during Congress tenure
The Congress listed several initiatives undertaken when it was in power, including infrastructure development under JNNURM, laying the foundation for the Pune Metro, allocation of over ₹1,000 crore for BRT corridors, construction of citywide road networks ahead of national sports events, implementation of a three-phase water supply scheme, completion of sewage projects, development of over 100 gardens, installation of public toilets in slum areas, and property tax relief for IT companies.
Key promises if voted to power
The party promised uniform water supply across the city, solutions to traffic congestion, free PMPML travel for women, completion of 678 missing link roads, improvement of 32 major roads along with removal of encroachments, induction of 5,000 electric buses into the PMPML fleet, ward-level solid waste management, strict action against criminal gangs including the Koyta gang, reduction of interest on property tax dues to one percent, and exemption from property tax for homes up to 500 square feet.
