Jaipur: BJP and Congress have both pledged to protect Jaipur’s heritage in their manifestos for local civic elections, but their plans differ sharply in detail, scale and city-specific commitments.BJP’s “2026 Nagariya Vikas Sankalp Patra” is a statewide document covering all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan. Heritage conservation appears within its larger urban development framework, with promises for conservation and development of heritage sites and places, including ancient havelis. The manifesto lists development works related to religious, cultural and heritage conservation, alongside improvements to tourist locations, parks and water bodies.However, BJP’s document does not lay out a Jaipur-focused heritage roadmap. It does not specify heritage corridors or markets for restoration, set deadlines for conserving old havelis, or propose a dedicated funding mechanism for heritage projects. The approach reads as a general policy direction rather than a measurable city plan.Congress’s “Jaipur 2032 — Parivartan Ka Sankalp,” framed as a five-year manifesto and action plan for 2027-32, devotes a separate section to Jaipur’s historic character and links conservation with tourism, local business and urban planning. It proposes forming a Jaipur Urban Design and Planning Authority with architects, urban planners, heritage and environmental experts, engineers and transport specialists.Congress has promised phased upgrades of 50 major heritage corridors and market areas, combining conservation with roads, drainage, lighting, cleanliness, pedestrian facilities, crafts and local trade. It proposes restoring old havelis while retaining original architecture and repurposing them as museums, restaurants, craft markets, art galleries and cultural centres. A proposed Heritage Walkway from Surajpole to Chandpole includes pedestrian amenities, signage and heritage information while promoting local food and small businesses.The manifesto sets targets, including a 25% increase in tourist stays and local business activity in selected heritage areas by 2032, and proposes rules by 2028 on building heights, facades, signage and street design in historic zones.The debate gains urgency as Unesco World Heritage Committee has asked India to submit an updated state of conservation report on Jaipur City by Dec 1, 2026, covering conservation planning, heritage inventory, demolition controls and heritage impact assessments.
