India, Jan. 11 -- The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the NCP (Sharad Pawar) on Saturday released a joint manifesto for the upcoming elections to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The document, released by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, working president of NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, among others, promised a slew of freebies, including free Metro and bus rides, waiver of property tax for smaller homes, and several other welfare measures.

Pawar said, "The manifesto focuses on key civic issues in Pune-tap water supply, easing of traffic congestion, pothole-free roads, cleanliness, hi-tech healthcare services, pollution control, and slum rehabilitation."

"The manifesto also proposes free travel on PMPML buses and the metro, ...