Surat: The political temperature has peaked ahead of the 2026 Surat Municipal Corporation elections, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiling its Sankalp Patra 2026 (manifesto) and setting an ambitious target of ‘Ab Ki Baar 120’. Through the manifesto, the party has promised to transform Surat into a hub of modern infrastructure and smart city development.

Focusing on key sectors such as education, transport, and public safety, the BJP aims to appeal to middle-class and youth voters. The party claims that the roadmap outlined in the Sankalp Patra will help position Surat prominently on the global map within the next five years.

Launching the manifesto, party president Paresh Patel stated that Surat has remained a BJP stronghold for the past three decades, and the party is committed to strengthening this trust through inclusive development. He emphasized that the vision is not only to make Surat a green city but also to establish it as a leading technology-driven urban centre in the country.

The party has pledged significant investment in infrastructure to enhance overall livability standards across the city.

In a major policy shift, the BJP has announced plans to expand the municipal corporation’s role beyond primary and secondary education by establishing colleges for higher education. These institutions are expected to offer modern courses such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and drone technology, aiming to provide affordable technical education to students from economically weaker and middle-class backgrounds.

The party has also proposed extending the Tapi riverfront project from Kathor Bridge to Rundh Barrage to support river rejuvenation and urban beautification.

Tourism is expected to receive a boost with the completion of Phase 2 of Dumas Beach development and the introduction of a new theme park. Additionally, the BJP has reiterated its commitment to preserving cultural traditions by continuing the practice of closing slaughterhouses during religious festivals and providing grants to organisations engaged in animal welfare (Jivdaya).

Addressing long-standing traffic and transport concerns, the BJP has proposed the implementation of a ‘One City One Card’ (Common Mobility Card), enabling commuters to travel seamlessly across Metro, BRTS, and city buses using a single card. The manifesto also promises expedited completion of the Metro Rail project and improved connectivity across all parts of the city.

The BJP has proposed installing large-scale solar plants across all Surat Municipal Corporation buildings and facilities, aiming to reduce the civic body’s electricity expenses to zero. This initiative is expected to promote renewable energy usage while significantly cutting operational costs.

Additionally, the party has assured the expansion of modern pumping stations and pipeline networks to ensure a 24×7 supply of clean drinking water.

With the rise in high-rise buildings, the BJP has outlined plans to strengthen fire safety infrastructure, including the deployment of a 104-metre-high aerial ladder platform capable of handling major fire emergencies. Drone-based surveillance will also be introduced in high-density areas to monitor both crime and traffic.

Furthermore, a new 107.60-metre-high iconic administrative building has been proposed to improve governance and administrative efficiency. DeshGujarat