In a significant move ahead of the crucial Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday unveiled a populist manifesto packed with promises aimed at addressing key civic issues. The pledges, made alongside leaders from both NCP factions, target water scarcity, public transport costs, and housing taxes, setting a confrontational tone against the ruling BJP in the civic body.
Key Promises to Transform Daily Life
The manifesto's cornerstone is a commitment to provide regular daily water supply, aiming to make Pimpri Chinchwad a tanker-free city. Currently, the twin cities receive water only on alternate days, forcing numerous housing societies to rely on expensive private water tankers. This assurance directly tackles one of the most persistent grievances of residents.
In a major relief for smaller homeowners, Pawar announced a complete property tax waiver for houses up to 500 square feet. Further mirroring promises made for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) polls, he guaranteed free travel on Metro and PMPML bus services for all citizens. He emphasized this was not just an election gimmick, citing the implementation of the 'Laadki Bahin' scheme as proof of his faction's commitment to delivering on pledges.
"This is a project we will implement," Pawar stated, adding that the free transport scheme could be approved by the elected municipal body post-polls without needing state cabinet clearance.
Scrapping the DP and Attacking the BJP's Record
In another bold announcement, Pawar declared that the proposed Development Plan (DP) for the city would be scrapped. He criticized the civic administration for approving and forwarding the plan to the state government despite over 50,000 objections from citizens regarding various land reservations.
The Deputy CM launched a sharp attack on the BJP, which has controlled the PCMC since 2017. He alleged that not a single one of the 27 assurances from the BJP's 2017 manifesto was fulfilled. Accusing local BJP leaders of corruption in civic projects over the past nine years, he urged voters to decide "whether they want to vote for leaders of dealers." He specifically named two local BJP MLAs for alleged corruption in multiple PCMC projects.
Alliance Dynamics and Electoral Battle
When questioned about criticizing his ruling 'Mahayuti' alliance partner (BJP) at the state level, Pawar defended his stance. "I am fighting an election and merely highlighting the mistakes made over the past nine years. I do not think this can be seen as a violation of alliance dharma," he explained.
The electoral landscape is complex: the two NCP factions are contesting the PCMC polls in an alliance. In contrast, the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Congress are fighting independently, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have formed a tie-up. The election will see 128 corporators elected from 32 wards in a bid to control the civic body, which was long considered an NCP stronghold under Ajit Pawar's influence for nearly three decades before the BJP's 2017 victory.
The manifesto launch event was attended by his nephew and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, MP Amol Kolhe, and state legislative council deputy speaker Anna Bansode, presenting a united front from the Pawar camp.
