Pune Civic Elections 2026: Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar Factions Join Hands, Release Common Manifesto for PMC and PCMC Polls
Pune Civic Elections 2026: Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar Factions Join Hands, Release Common Manifesto for PMC and PCMC Polls
Pune, January 10, 2026: In a notable political development ahead of the civic elections, the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party—led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and veteran leader Sharad Pawar—have come together to release a joint manifesto for the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation elections scheduled for January 15.
The common manifesto was unveiled at a joint press conference attended by Ajit Pawar and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) working president Supriya Sule. Despite being part of rival political alliances at the state level, the two NCP groups have decided to contest the civic polls together, signalling a strategic understanding focused on local governance issues.
Ajit Pawar stated that the manifesto is centred on addressing Pune’s core civic challenges and improving urban infrastructure, public services and quality of life for residents.
Key highlights of the joint NCP manifesto include:
- Free Public Transport:
- Free travel on Pune Metro and PMPML buses for all citizens
- Strengthening feeder services and last-mile connectivity to reduce private vehicle use
- Water Supply and Management:
- Daily, high-pressure tap water supply across all 41 wards
- Fixed water schedules with public transparency reports
- Complete elimination of tanker dependency
- Sensor-based, leak-free water network with rapid repair systems
- Additional 7 TMC water allocation from Tata Mulshi dam and completion of pending pipelines
- Roads and Connectivity:
- Upgradation of 33 missing links and 15 major roads spanning over 150 km
- Completion of key link roads and the internal ring road (HCMTR) within two years
- Strict accountability for contractors, with potholes to be repaired within 72 hours
- Clean and Green Pune:
- Target to rank among the top three cities in Swachh Survekshan by 2029
- 100 per cent waste segregation, composting and sewage reuse
- Promotion of rainwater harvesting and solar energy
- Tax incentives for eco-friendly housing societies
- Revival of stalled waste-to-energy projects
- Healthcare Expansion:
- Establishment of 200 Rajmata Jijau Clinics offering free primary healthcare
- Addition of 1,400 hospital beds, increasing the total to 2,800
- Affordable MRI and CT scans through PPP models
- Expansion of telemedicine services, ICUs, cancer care facilities and medical education
- Environment and Climate Preparedness:
- Long-term flood control and drainage improvement projects
- Climate-resilient infrastructure such as sponge roads and heat-resistant materials
- Protection and rejuvenation of hills, lakes, natural drains and green zones
- Housing and Slum Rehabilitation:
- Emphasis on in-situ slum redevelopment instead of demolitions
- Dedicated SRA cell with a three-year project completion timeline
- Higher compensation for project delays and protection for legally developed properties
- Education and Skill Development:
- Upgrade of 150 Pune Model Schools to CBSE/ICSE standards with modern facilities
- Free tablets with internet data for students
- Interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh for self-employment through skill training programmes
- Property and Welfare Measures:
- Property tax exemption for residential units up to 500 sq ft from April 1, 2026
- Reduced commuting costs through free public transport
The joint manifesto marks a significant shift following the NCP split in July 2023, when Ajit Pawar joined the Eknath Shinde-led government, triggering a prolonged political and legal dispute between the two factions over party control and identity. The renewed collaboration for the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls is expected to have a major impact on local electoral dynamics.
