BJP unveils civic poll manifestos for Ahmedabad Surat and Rajkot

Ahmedabad, Apr 16 (PTI) The ruling BJP in Gujarat on Thursday released its manifestos for three key municipal corporations - Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot - ahead of the April 26 local body poll, promising a mix of infrastructure expansion, technology-driven governance and better transportation.
These three civic bodies are currently ruled by the BJP.
As per the schedule of local body polls announced by the State Election Commission, polling will be held on April 26, while counting of votes is scheduled for April 28.
The elections will cover 34 district panchayats, 260 taluka panchayats, 84 municipalities and 15 municipal corporations, including Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot, making it one of the largest electoral exercises in the state.
Releasing the manifesto, named as 'Sankalp Patra - 2026', for Ahmedabad, Gujarat Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel said the party had fulfilled around 96 per cent of its previous promises and was presenting a "report card" to voters.
Among the most striking promises for Ahmedabad is making it a slum-free city, under which around 50,000 houses will be constructed.
The party has also proposed 17 overbridges and three underpasses to tackle traffic congestion.
A key technology-driven proposal is the rollout of an AI-based traffic signal system across the city, aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic management.
The manifesto also put emphasis on renewable energy, with a target of moving from the current 43 per cent usage to 100 per cent renewable energy, including solar projects on water bodies.
The BJP said Ahmedabad is preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with plans to develop mini sports complexes in every zone.
The party has promised a state-of-the-art cancer hospital, expansion of healthcare facilities for senior citizens and screening programmes for cervical and oral cancer.
Women-centric proposals include pink buses in Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), pink toilets in every ward, women's gyms and 33 per cent reservation in civic recruitment.
Environmental commitments include redeveloping the Pirana dump site into a garden along with large-scale waste processing and CNG generation from kitchen waste.
For Surat, the BJP's manifesto focuses on integrated mobility and large-scale urban transformation.
One of the key promises is the introduction of a 'One City-One Card' concept, enabling seamless travel across Metro, BRTS and city buses through a single payment system.
The party also pledged to transition public transport towards 100 per cent electric buses.
A key highlight of the manifesto is the redevelopment of Surat railway station into an international-level multi-modal transport hub, integrating rail, state buses, city buses, BRTS and Metro services in one location.
The manifesto also stresses the completion of the Surat Metro Phase-1 project spanning over 40 km across two major corridors.
On the urban development front, the BJP has proposed an ambitious Tapi riverfront project, featuring eco-parks, walkways and recreational zones, along with the transformation of Dumas sea face into a major tourism destination.
Another noteworthy proposal is the construction of a 107-metre-tall twin-tower administrative building to house multiple government offices, aimed at improving administrative efficiency.
The party also promised to position Surat as an entertainment hub by building an amusement park and international-level sports infrastructure.
In education, the manifesto highlights integration of AI, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)-based learning systems in schools, along with coaching support for competitive exams, such as JEE and NEET.
In Rajkot, the BJP's manifesto focuses towards tourism, employment generation and decentralised healthcare.
A major attraction is the proposal to set up a Lion Safari Park on the lines of Gir, aimed at boosting local tourism.
The party has also promised to develop Lalpari Lake and Nyari Dam into international-standard tourist destinations, along with building a large convention centre near Atal Sarovar and an open-air theatre.
The BJP promises to establish a 'mini hospital' in every zone, offering free treatment, including surgeries and admissions.
On employment, the BJP has proposed skill training centres in every zone to enhance youth employability and promote self-reliance.
The manifesto also focuses on small traders, promising affordable commercial complexes and expanded hawker zones, including dedicated spaces for women vendors.
For women, a modern working women's hostel has been proposed near Atal Sarovar.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)