Rajkot: The BJP manifesto released for the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) election looks a mere repetition of the promises made in the previous corporation polls.
In fact, there are several projects that are already underway, which have been highlighted to lure voters.
BJP has ruled the RMC since its inception, but for five years from 2000-2005.
Surprisingly, the party has promised water connection to all 137 public toilets and modernize them. However, water is regularly supplied to the 137 public toilets. As many as 55 more are in the pipeline.
A dedicated pedestrian lane on city roads for senior citizens is another enticement. Sources said RMC is yet to provide a dedicated cycle track on Rajkot roads as promised in previous civic body elections. Till date, the cycle track promised on Raiya Road is only on paper.
BJP leaders say they have something for the citizens of all the age, class and profession. But a closer look shows that many of the schemes mentioned in the manifesto have already been announced or under implementation.
For example, the party announced to start classes of foreign language for the youth. This was part of the e-library project under the Smart City mission. But, later these classes were excluded. Now, the party has again included the foreign language classes under this project.
The party has proposed to develop a newly merged areas like Kothariya and Vavdi that were merged with RMC ahead of the 2015 elections. But four years on these areas are still devoid of basic facilities like drinking water. The 24-hour pipeline water was promised in 2015 manifesto also. However, it’s in a pilot stage.
BJP promised an auditorium on lines of the iconic Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai. But a convention centre with 5,000 seating capacity and auditorium is already part of Smart City project.