BJP Unveils PMC Election Manifesto Promising Tax Relief, Travel Concessions, and ₹76,000 Crore Infrastructure Push

Mumbai, January 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday released its manifesto for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, outlining a mix of welfare measures and ambitious infrastructure projects. The announcement promises property tax exemptions for small homeowners and economically weaker sections, travel concessions for senior citizens and women, and major capital investment initiatives aimed at transforming the city.

The manifesto, released by senior BJP leaders Murlidhar Mohol, Chandrakant Patil, and Madhuri Misal along with Pune’s BJP MLAs, highlights key initiatives including a ₹44,000 crore capital investment plan and ₹32,000 crore in underground roads. The total value of these infrastructure projects exceeds ₹76,000 crore—raising questions about feasibility, given the PMC’s annual budget is approximately ₹10,000 crore.

Among the welfare measures, the party promises free travel for senior citizens above 75 years on PMPML buses, concessional fares for women on Metro and PMPML services, and property tax exemptions for houses and flats smaller than 500 square feet. These proposals aim to target both the city’s economically weaker sections and the growing commuter population.

Speaking to the media, Mohol emphasized the BJP’s track record in Pune, asserting that previous promises had been fulfilled. “Our work in Pune proves that we deliver on our commitments,” he said. Chandrakant Patil echoed this, stating, “We fulfilled promises such as the metro, equitable water distribution, and riverfront development. Now, we want to take Pune to a new level, and we are confident the people will re-elect the BJP.”

Questions were raised about the BJP’s 2017 “Smart Pune” promise and whether the city had truly become “smart” during its tenure. Mohol responded that the Smart City scheme was limited to areas like Baner and Balewadi but claimed that significant work had been carried out across the city. He added, “We have completed most of the work promised in the previous manifesto,” without directly addressing why the Centre had discontinued the Smart City Mission.

The feasibility of implementing projects totaling over ₹76,000 crore given PMC’s ₹10,000 crore budget was also questioned. Mohol explained that funding would come from state and central government support. “The PMC can plan these projects, but the funds will be arranged with help from the state and central governments,” he said, stressing that BJP’s simultaneous presence in power at civic, state, and central levels has facilitated major developments in Pune.

Mohol cited examples such as metro projects, 1,000 electric buses, river restoration works, the ring road, land acquisition for the proposed Purandar airport, and the Chandni Chowk redevelopment as initiatives made possible due to BJP’s governance across all levels.

The manifesto signals the BJP’s intent to combine welfare-oriented initiatives with ambitious urban infrastructure projects, aiming to consolidate voter support ahead of the PMC elections scheduled later this month.