Congress on Monday promised a transparent hawker policy, including the establishment of smart vending zones, issuance of digital licences for eligible vendors, and fair elections to town vending committee
Congress assured political and social protection for North Indian residents in Mumbai. Representational Pic/File
The Congress party on Monday announced key points from its manifesto ahead of the BMC Elections 2026, promising measures ranging from permanent immersion ponds for Chhath Puja to protection of the dignity and livelihood of North Indians, and a transparent hawker policy, reported the PTI.
A document was released by the party’s North Indian cell in the presence of Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and other office-bearers.
The Congress promised a transparent hawker policy, including the establishment of smart vending zones, issuance of digital licences for eligible vendors, and fair elections to town vending committee, according to the PTI.
Protection and support for North Indians
The party assured political and social protection for North Indian residents in Mumbai. It also promised better facilities for auto and taxi drivers, such as rest centres and free health check-ups.
Varsha Gaikwad stated that the Congress had consistently supported North Indians by ensuring their representation as MLAs, MPs, ministers, corporators, and mayors, contrasting this with what she described as the BJP’s failure to address the community’s core issues, as per the PTI.
Infrastructure for cultural and religious events
The party also stated that it plans for permanent immersion ponds and ghats at beaches for Chhath Puja, as well as improved lighting, changing rooms, and lifeguard facilities for women devotees. It also promises the construction of a large travellers’ facility to host cultural programmes and weddings at affordable rates.
Other commitments include affordable waiting halls near railway stations during Diwali and Chhath Puja, in coordination with the BMC and Indian Railways, and a transparent licensing policy for stables with subsidised water tariffs.
Elections to 29 civic bodies, including the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are scheduled for 15 January, with counting of votes on 16 January.
Congress wins 41 municipal presidents, 1,006 councillors in Maharashtra local body elections
Meanwhile, Congress has secured a notable victory in the elections to 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, winning 41 municipal presidents and 1,006 councillors statewide, reported the IANS.
State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said that on Monday that the party fought the elections on the strength of its ideology despite facing extremely challenging circumstances.
Sapkal said that the Congress contested the elections without financial backing and relied solely on its commitment to democratic values to take on the ruling dispensation.
“With no financial support and depending entirely on our belief in democracy, the Congress challenged the money power of the ruling parties. On the strength of the tireless efforts of our workers, voters delivered this mandate. These results prove once again that trust is greater than money and ideas matter more than power,” he said, according to the IANS.
(with PTI and IANS inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
