Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 10: In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming civic elections, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) on Saturday jointly released their manifesto for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections.

Ajit Pawar and his cousin, NCP (SP) working president and MP Supriya Sule, shared the stage at a joint press conference, signalling increasing bonhomie between the two factions that split in 2023. Leaders of both sides were present during the release of the poll document.

Despite belonging to rival political alliances at the state level — with Ajit Pawar’s NCP being part of the ruling Mahayuti and the NCP (SP) aligned with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi — the two factions have come together for the January 15 civic elections to the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations.

Notably, several NCP (SP) leaders, who had largely stayed away from the campaign until now, participated in the event.

Addressing the gathering, Ajit Pawar said the joint manifesto focuses on addressing pressing civic issues in Pune. The document promises assured tap water supply, measures to reduce traffic congestion, pothole-free roads, improved cleanliness, hi-tech healthcare facilities, pollution control initiatives and slum rehabilitation.

The manifesto also includes proposals such as free travel on PMPML buses and metro services, waiver of property tax for residential units up to 500 sq ft, and distribution of free computer tablets to students.

Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar continued his attack on the local BJP leadership, accusing it of hampering the development of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad despite receiving substantial financial assistance from both the state and central governments. The BJP had ruled both civic bodies between 2017 and 2022.