MUMBAI: The Congress on Sunday released its manifesto, which it termed its ‘vision document’, for the elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Council (BMC) elections, at a rally in Malad, in which it promised free drinking water for all, a garbage-free Mumbai, property tax subsidy and civic food stalls at minimum cost.
Even as the party announced its plans, the infighting in its ranks was evident once again, with several senior leaders staying away from the rally. While AICC general secretary in-charge for Maharashtra Mohan Prakash, former MPs Milind Deora and Priya Dutt were present for the first rally, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ashok Chavan, former State minister Narayan Rane, former MPs Gurudas Kamat, Nasim Khan and Kripashankar Singh did not turn up. “Please be aware of misinformation and participate in rallies to dethrone the Sena-BJP alliance in Mumbai,” Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said, appealing to those absent to participate in campaigning.
In his speech, Mr. Nirupam denied allegations by BJP leader Ashish Shelar about ‘match-fixing’ by the Shiv Sena and Congress in Mumbai in 42 wards. “Mumbaikars are witnessing match-fixing by Sena and BJP. Amit Shah himself has said that it’s a friendly match between them. Even a BJP cabinet minister has hinted at a post-poll alliance between the parties,” he said.
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He added, “Both parties have made their fortune through corruption in every ward. In the last 20 years, they have done nothing other than corruption. In every tender, they have their share of the loot.”
In its vision document, the Congress’s promises include all those made by the Shiv Sena and a few by the NCP, and free-of-cost drinking water is at the top.
With the city continuing to face trouble over dumping grounds, the Congress has promised a garbage-free city, and has promised in its manifesto that garbage will be collected at night and the city will get a new dumping ground.
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Following the Sena and BJP’s footsteps in offering property tax waivers, the Congress too has promised to subsidise property tax. The Sena has promised that property tax will not be levied on houses up to 500 sq.ft., while the BJP promises to subsidise footpath tax.
On the lines of cities like New Delhi and Chennai, the Mumbai Congress is planning subsidised food stalls in the city. Wooing north Indian voters, the party has also promised to implement the policy on hawkers without changes. The policy is currently lying with the cabinet sub-committee after the Sena objected to it at a State Cabinet meeting.