The manifesto promises that expansion of CNG stations will include rest centres, among initiatives. (File Photo)
Ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the North Indian cell of the Mumbai Congress on Monday released a seven-point manifesto, focusing on the protection of dignity, self-employment, and social security for the North Indian community in Mumbai.
The manifesto, which was released in the presence of senior party leader Avinash Pandey, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai, Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and others, is the result of the ‘Samvad’ campaign, where the cell engaged directly with citizens to understand their core issues.
The manifesto promises implementation of a transparent Town Vending Committee election process and digital licences for all eligible vendors, expansion of CNG stations to include rest centres and workshop corners for free health check-up for drivers eyeing auto-taxi driver welfare, collaboration between the BMC and Railways to create large waiting areas outside stations during Diwali and Chhath Puja, offering lodging and meals for Rs10 to Rs 50; construction of permanent immersion ponds and ghats at beaches, featuring permanent changing rooms for women, lighting, and lifeguard stations as part of Chhath Puja infrastructure; construction of a ‘Pravasi Bhavan’ (travellers’ hall) to provide an affordable venue for cultural events and weddings; streamlining the licensing process for city dairies (tabelas) and moving water billing from commercial to subsidized rates.
The western suburbs of Mumbai have a considerable north Indian population where the Congress aims to rebuild its base. “Over the years, the Mumbai Congress enjoyed strong support of the community with powerful leaders. However, these leaders are either not active or have switched to the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. We think that this election is an opportunity to rebuild our base,” said a senior Mumbai Congress leader. At least 40-50 BMC seats out of the total 227 seats have considerable north Indian population, which can impact the result.
During the manifesto launch held at Sharda Gyanpeeth International School in Malad (East), Ajay Rai called upon the north Indian community to unite and defeat the BJP-led alliance. Echoing this sentiment, Varsha Gaikwad said, “The Congress has always provided representation to the north Indian community, appointing them as MPs, MLAs, ministers, corporators, and mayors. In contrast, the BJP takes their votes but fails to address their grievances.”
Former minister Aslam Sheikh reaffirmed that the party has consistently respected the community, while North Indian cell president Avnish Tirthraj Singh noted that Congress is the first party to formally include North Indian issues in an election manifesto.