The newly formed municipal council of Phursungi-Uruli Devachi on the outskirts of Pune has witnessed a decisive electoral verdict, with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar securing a commanding majority. The results announced on Sunday revealed the NCP's dominance in the area's first-ever independent civic polls.
A Clear Victory for Mahayuti Alliance
The NCP clinched 19 out of the 32 seats that were up for grabs in the recently carved-out council. Their allies in the ruling Mahayuti coalition secured the remaining seats, ensuring a complete sweep for the alliance. The Shiv Sena, part of Mahayuti, emerged as the second-largest party with eight wins, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in five constituencies.
This result underscores the Mahayuti coalition's stronghold in the region, a fact highlighted by their performance despite contesting against each other in some wards. In a significant setback, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance failed to win a single seat, being completely shut out of the new civic body.
New Council, Old Promises: Civic Issues Take Center Stage
The Phursungi-Uruli Devachi municipal council was created in 2024 after it was demerged from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). This move came after prolonged demands from residents who felt neglected by the larger civic body despite contributing substantial property taxes. Their primary grievances included a severe lack of basic amenities like reliable water supply, proper sewage systems, good roads, and efficient garbage disposal.
The area hosts one of the district's largest garbage depots, where most of Pune city's waste is collected, further amplifying local concerns over civic management. Following the results, NCP's Santosh Sarode was elected as the chairman of the new municipal council.
Post-Victory Focus on Development
Elected representatives were quick to acknowledge the mandate for change. NCP's Swati Adhale, who won from ward number 5, stated that their immediate priority is to address long-pending civic issues. "The voters have entrusted our party with the highest number of seats and we will deliver on the promises made to them," she said, emphasizing the need to improve fundamental facilities like water and roads.
This sentiment was echoed across the political spectrum, including by candidates who faced defeat. Vishal Harpale, a Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate who lost to Shiv Sena's Mahesh Harpale in ward number 5, stressed that the demerger was intended to spur growth. "The new body should make sure that it delivers speedy growth," he remarked, highlighting the universal expectation for the new council to perform.
The election marks a new chapter in local governance for Phursungi-Uruli Devachi, with the ruling alliance now bearing the direct responsibility of transforming the area's civic infrastructure and fulfilling the aspirations that led to its creation as an independent council.
