BJP promises 2,100 flats and major civic projects in Panchkula MC election manifesto

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its manifesto for the upcoming Panchkula Municipal Corporation elections, promising a range of development projects and welfare measures. The elections are scheduled to take place on May 10, and the party is focusing on housing, infrastructure, sanitation, and urban development to attract voters.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini unveiled the manifesto on Wednesday. While addressing the public, he urged voters to support what he described as a “triple-engine government” — referring to coordination between the Centre, the state, and the municipal corporation. According to him, such alignment would help speed up development in the city.

One of the key promises in the manifesto is the construction of 2,100 flats in Kharak Mangoli village. These flats, estimated to cost around ₹300 crore, are meant to rehabilitate residents currently living in Rajiv Colony and Indira Colony. The project aims to improve living conditions and move towards making the city slum-free.

The party has also announced support for its mayoral candidate, 71-year-old Shyam Lal Bansal, along with other ward candidates contesting the elections.

Focus on infrastructure and urban services

A major part of the BJP’s manifesto focuses on improving infrastructure and public services in Panchkula. One of the biggest proposed projects is an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), which is expected to cost around ₹280 crore. This centre would use technology to monitor city services, traffic, and safety, helping authorities respond more efficiently to issues.

The party has also promised to build a new municipal corporation office at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore. In addition, a large rainwater drainage project worth ₹200 crore has been proposed. This project will use modern technology to reduce waterlogging, which is a common problem during the monsoon season.

To improve sanitation, the manifesto includes plans to build five sewage treatment plants with a combined capacity of 76 million litres per day (MLD). These projects are estimated to cost ₹160 crore and are expected to help manage wastewater more effectively.

Other infrastructure works include sewerage improvements in areas like Sector 31 and Nada Chowk, with an estimated cost of ₹10 crore. The party has also allocated ₹100 crore for door-to-door garbage collection, waste processing, and mechanised street cleaning. These steps aim to improve cleanliness and make the city more organised.

The manifesto also talks about environmental improvements. It proposes spending ₹100 crore on the beautification and rejuvenation of two seasonal rivulets that pass through Panchkula. This could help improve both the city’s appearance and its ecological balance.

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Plans for transport, sports and civic facilities

In addition to basic infrastructure, the BJP has outlined several projects related to transport and public facilities. The party has promised to build two flyovers near Burj Kotian and the HMT plant on National Highway-5, with a combined cost of ₹80 crore. These flyovers are expected to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity.

The manifesto also includes plans to widen major roads and improve their condition, with ₹50 crore allocated for this purpose and another ₹40 crore for strengthening and beautification. A second lane on the outer road connecting Sector 23 to National Highway-07 via Nada Chowk is also proposed, at a cost of ₹30 crore.

Another important project is the construction of a new bridge over the Ghaggar River, alongside the existing one. This is expected to cost around ₹30 crore and will help improve movement across the area.

The party has also focused on promoting sports and recreation. It has promised to build an international-level shooting range complex at a cost of ₹170 crore, as well as a sports complex in Naggal village worth ₹80 crore. These facilities aim to encourage sports activities and provide better infrastructure for athletes.

In the dairy sector, the BJP has proposed relocating dairies outside the municipal limits and setting up a dedicated dairy complex in Sukh Darshanpur village at a cost of ₹30 crore. Additionally, a modern cattle shelter (gaushala) will be built in Naggal for ₹10 crore. These steps are expected to address issues related to stray cattle and improve urban cleanliness.

Opposition raises concerns

While the BJP has presented an ambitious plan, opposition leaders and residents have raised questions about previous promises that remain unfulfilled.

Congress candidate Usha Rani pointed out that a promise made in earlier elections to construct 7,000 flats has not yet been completed. She also highlighted ongoing problems such as poor road conditions, garbage on streets, and poorly maintained public toilets.

Residents have also raised concerns about stray cattle, lack of street lighting in some colonies, and delays in setting up important facilities like a solid waste management plant. Some civic groups have noted that Panchkula is still not included in the list of Smart Cities, and earlier promises like activity centres and e-libraries have not been delivered.

Responding to these concerns, BJP leader and former mayor Kulbhushan Goyal acknowledged that some projects were delayed. He explained that the housing project faced changes in location, which caused delays. He also said that efforts have been made to shift stray cattle to shelters and that new projects, including a fire station and road repairs, are underway.

A key election moment

The Panchkula Municipal Corporation elections are expected to be closely watched, as they will decide the future direction of the city’s development. The BJP’s manifesto focuses on large-scale projects and long-term planning, while the opposition is highlighting gaps in earlier promises.

For voters, the decision will likely depend on both the vision presented for the future and the track record of past performance. Issues like housing, sanitation, infrastructure, and daily civic services are expected to play a major role in shaping the outcome.

As the election date approaches, political activity in the city is likely to increase, with parties making their final appeals to the public. The results will determine which plans move forward and how Panchkula develops in the coming years.