Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad has launched the party's vision for the January 15 BMC polls with promises of "progressive Mumbai" with better
healthcare, education, and a more "transparent, accountable governance".
"The Congress Party along with alliance partners will release a detailed manifesto soon. We remain firmly committed to building a better Mumbai and safeguarding the rights of Mumbaikars," Gaikwad wrote on X.
She accused the ruling Mahayuti administration of looting the rights and funds of Mumbaikars, stating that the BMC performed at only 38% of its capacity between 2017 and 2022.
Mumbai Congress' Vision for 2026 – A Progressive Mumbai
We are committed to freeing Mumbai from corruption and delivering transparent, accountable governance.
Our vision:
1. Expand the BEST fleet to over 6,000 buses
2. Provide every Mumbaikar with a Universal Free Health Card… pic.twitter.com/f03f9okXzH
— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) January 1, 2026
As part of the party’s pitch, Gaikwad outlined a series of civic commitments, including expanding the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) fleet to more than 6,000 buses and rolling out a Universal Free Health Card that would provide free medicines to all residents.
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The Congress party also promised to revive and modernise Marathi-medium schools and raise Mumbai’s water supply capacity to 5,000 million litres per day.
She further said the party would ensure proper enforcement of the Street Vendors Act, 2014 with clearly identified hawker-free zones, while stepping up action against pollution caused by construction activity across the city.
Voting for 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, is scheduled for January 15 with counting set to take place on January 16. The elections will see the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance take on the Congress, which has partnered with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi.
Gaikwad also alleged that the ruling Mahayuti administration -- comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP -- misused ₹12,000 crore from municipal fixed deposits in 2022.
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