Lok Sabha MP of Sharad Pawar-led NCP and party’s working president Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who leads the break-away NCP, released a joint manifesto for the forthcoming municipal corporation elections on Saturday at a press conference in Shivajinagar, Pune.
Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar NCP leader Dr Amol Kolhe, and other office bearers of both the parties were present as they released the joint manifesto that promises free metro railway and bus travel in Pune.
Speaking on the occasion, the Maharashtra deputy CM said, “Pune-ites may question whether free metro and bus travel is even possible. Let me assure you that it is indeed possible. We decided about this after talking to experts. We will provide free metro railway and bus travel to Pune-ites and Pimpri Chinchwad.”
Elaborating further, he said, “Public transport services in any city always run at a loss. In comparison, the cost of free travel is not very high. Therefore, free public transport is possible. If facilities for free public transport are created, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad residents will be free from traffic jams. I also promise to provide clean water through taps everyday. I only say what is possible.”
Besides, the manifesto promises to provide free tablets to students of Pune Municipal Corporation-run schools and set up 150 model schools in Pune.
Supriya Sule said, “The issue of five-year development of Pune is before us. It is possible to provide free travel because there are mistakes in the administration of the public transport system, which will be eliminated.”
The joint poll manifesto also assures tap water supply, easing of traffic congestion, pothole-free roads, cleanliness, hi-tech healthcare services, pollution control and slum rehabilitation.
The manifesto promises a waiver of property tax for houses up to 500 square feet.
Significantly, despite being in power with the BJP at the state and the Centre, Ajit Pawar targeted the local BJP leadership, accusing it of derailing the development of Pune as well as Pimpri Chinchwad despite receiving substantial funds from both governments.
When asked how long the alliance would last, he said, “I have decided to be positive, so why do you doubt me?”