Low Voter Turnout Fuels Anxiety Ahead of PMC Election Results
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections concluded with a voter turnout of 52.42%, but this figure masks significant disparities across the city's 41 wards. As candidates await the results on Friday, anxiety runs high, particularly in areas where less than half of eligible voters participated.
Ward-Wise Turnout Highlights Stark Contrasts
The Shivane-Khadakwasla-Dhayari ward, a recent addition to PMC jurisdiction, recorded the highest turnout at 57.81%. In stark contrast, the Aundh-Bopodi ward saw the lowest participation with just 45.12% of voters casting their ballots. Wanowrie-Salunke Vihar followed closely with 45.54% turnout.
Overall, ten wards reported turnouts below 50%, fueling concerns among political contenders. Sachin More, the BJP candidate from Suncity-Manikbaug ward, expressed his nervousness. "This is my first election as a candidate. The low voter turnout has made me anxious, but I am confident I will get elected," he stated.
Political Strategies and Regional Dynamics
Political parties are banking on their traditional strongholds as they brace for the outcome. The BJP is relying on its increased strength in central Pune areas, while the NCP remains confident of a robust response in suburban regions. This election follows intense pre-poll maneuvering, including high-profile defections and party-hopping.
The PMC polls are a critical test for urban governance in Pune, a city experiencing rapid infrastructure development. Recent projects like the Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route and a double-decker bridge over the Mula-Mutha River highlight the stakes involved in these elections.
Detailed Ward-Wise Voting Percentages
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of voter turnout across all 41 wards:
- Kalas-Dhanori-Lohegaon: 52.90%
- Phulenagar-Nagpur Chawl: 50.28%
- Vimannagar-Lohegaon: 54.12%
- Kharadi-Wagholi: 56.48%
- Kalyaninagar-Wadgaon Sheri: 51.56%
- Yerawada-Gandhinagar: 53.42%
- Gokhalenagar-Wakdewadi: 49.76%
- Aundh-Bopodi: 45.12%
- Sus-Baner-Pashan: 52.93%
- Bavdhan-Bhusari Colony: 55.05%
- Rambaug Colony-Shivteerthnagar: 56.68%
- Shivajinagar-Model Colony: 49.32%
- Pune Station-Jay Jawannagar: 50.45%
- Koregaon Park-Ghorpadi-Mundhwa: 52.13%
- Manjri Budruk-Keshavnagar-Sadesatranali: 55.92%
- Hadapsar-Satavwadi: 52.17%
- Ramtekdi-Malwadi-Vaiduwadi: 50.33%
- Wanowrie-Salunkhe Vihar: 45.54%
- Kondhwa Khurd-Kausurbaug: 47.97%
- Shankar Maharaj Math-Bibewadi: 53.50%
- Mukundnagar-Salisbury Park: 49.54%
- Kashewadi-Dias Plot: 53.49%
- Rawiwar Peth-Nana Peth: 51.97%
- Kasba Ganpati -Kamla Nehru Hospital-KEM hospital: 54.75%
- Shaniwar Peth-Mahatma Phule Mandai: 53.51%
- Ghorpade Peth-Gurwar Peth-Samta Bhoomi: 52.52%
- Navi Peth- Parvati: 52.27%
- Janta Vasahat-Hingane Khurd: 54.38%
- Deccan Gymkhana-Happy Colony: 51.34%
- Karvenagar-Hingne Home Colony: 55.52%
- Mayur Colony-Kothrud: 52.07%
- Warje-Popularnagar: 55.39%
- Shivane-Khadakwasla-Dhayari: 57.81%
- Vadgaon Budruk-Dhayari: 54.92%
- Suncity-Manik Baug: 48.59%
- Sahakarnagar-Padmavati: 54.62%
- Dhankawadi-Katraj Dairy: 49.93%
- Balajinagar-Ambegaon-Katraj: 54.11%
- Upper Super Indiranagar: 52.22%
- Kondhwa Budhruk-Yeolewadi: 49.70%
- Mohammadwadi-Undri: 49.78%
These figures underscore the varied civic engagement across Pune, with some wards showing robust participation while others lag significantly. The election results will reveal how these turnout patterns influence the political landscape and future governance of the city.
