06 January,2026 09:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Congress said it plans to set up two new multi-speciality hospitals in Mumbai. File Pic/X
The Mumbai Congress on Tuesday released its manifesto for the upcoming BMC Election 2026, promising measures to improve air quality and introduce universal health cards that will provide citizens with free medicines, reported the PTI.
The manifesto was unveiled by Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and focuses on better civic governance, public services and an improved quality of life for residents across the city.
A key promise in the manifesto is the distribution of universal health cards, which will allow citizens to access free medicines. The party also pledged to strengthen municipal hospitals, expand primary health centres and ensure affordable healthcare for poor and middle-income families.
The Congress said it plans to set up two new multi-speciality hospitals in Mumbai.
Improving air quality and protecting open spaces are highlighted as major environmental priorities, along with steps to strengthen the city's ability to deal with floods and climate-related challenges.
The manifesto promises transparent and corruption-free governance within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with greater accountability in civic works and contracts.
The party said it would improve basic civic services such as water supply, sanitation, road maintenance, drainage systems and solid waste management across all areas, including suburbs and slums.
The Congress pledged to upgrade BMC-run schools, improve infrastructure and ensure better access to education for children from economically weaker sections.
It also promised fair and transparent redevelopment policies, protection of the rights of slum dwellers and the creation of affordable housing for low-income and middle-income groups.
Improving public transport, reducing traffic congestion and creating safer, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure are also part of the party's agenda.
Special welfare schemes have been promised for women, senior citizens, youth and marginalised communities. The manifesto states that five per cent each of the BMC budget will be reserved for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities.
Elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the cash-rich BMC, will be held on January 15, with results to be declared the following day.
The Congress had initially announced it would contest all 227 BMC wards on its own but later formed an alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) led by Prakash Ambedkar, allotting it 62 seats.
The VBA later returned around 20 seats, citing a lack of candidates.
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(with PTI inputs)
