Pune Civic Poll Campaigning Concludes After Two Intense Weeks
Campaigning for the elections to the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations ended on Tuesday. This marked the finish of two high-voltage weeks across Maharashtra, covering 27 other municipal bodies as well. The period saw aspiring corporators engage in rallies, roadshows, and extensive door-to-door drives to connect with voters.
NCP's Free Ride Promise Sparks Major Debate
The loudest talking point emerged from the NCP's manifesto for Pune. It promised free Metro and PMPML bus rides for residents. This pledge quickly generated widespread chatter on the streets and across online platforms.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led the BJP's counter to this poll promise. He labeled the offer as "unrealistic". The exchange sharpened between Fadnavis and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, with their sparring even spilling into poetic shayari from the stage.
Despite being allies in the state's Mahayuti government, the NCP and BJP are directly competing against each other in the civic polls for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. This adds a complex layer to the political contest.
NCP Factions Show Unity Ahead of Polls
In the run-up to the January 15 vote, a significant moment occurred. Ajit Pawar appeared publicly with his estranged cousin, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule. This was the first show of unity between the two NCP factions since their split in 2023.
The appearance not only added political weight to the announcement that both NCP groups would fight the PMC and PCMC elections together. It also triggered fresh speculation about a possible future merger of the two parties.
Ground Campaign Relied on Traditional Tactics
Away from the spotlight of major promises, the campaign ran on familiar ground-level tactics. Most candidates heavily relied on "padyatras" and personal door-to-door visits. Senior leaders took charge of large roadshows and evening public meetings, or 'sabhas', to project party strength.
Campaign vehicles fitted with loudspeakers played party jingles on loop. A steady stream of social media posts kept the election pitch loud across Pune. However, the constant blare from these publicity vehicles was not music to the ears of many residents, who found the noise disruptive.
Top Leaders Hit the Streets for Final Push
Top leaders from all major parties ensured their presence with rallies and roadshows in the final days. BJP's Murlidhar Mohol, who represents Pune in the Lok Sabha, along with other senior party leaders, addressed public rallies to display organizational strength. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed a gathering at Gokhalenagar on Tuesday itself.
The NCP organized spirited roadshows in key areas like Narhe, Dhayari, Warje, Aundh, and Bopodi during the final leg of campaigning. MNS chief Raj Thackeray also led a series of meetings and roadshows as the campaign drew to a close. He participated in media interactions and visited crucial neighborhoods including Kothrud, Warje, the Peth areas, and Sahakarnagar.
Local Candidates Endure Grueling Schedules
For many local aspirants, the campaign grind was relentless. BJP candidate from ward number 3, Aishwarya Pathare, shared her experience. "Waking at dawn to cover neighborhoods and managing grueling schedules was hectic, but worth it," she said.
Candidates like Rahul Kalate from Pimpri Chinchwad ward number 21 emphasized the critical importance of nutrition and personal stamina during the demanding final phase of the campaign.
Pimpri Chinchwad Sees Close Fight, Corruption Allegations Fly
In Pimpri Chinchwad, a close fight is anticipated between the NCP and BJP to form the next municipal corporation. Interestingly, on the final day of campaigning, no senior leader from any party, barring Ajit Pawar, was seen actively campaigning in the area.
Ajit Pawar's campaign in Pimpri Chinchwad was largely dominated by repeated allegations of corruption. He targeted BJP's Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge specifically. On the last day, Pawar claimed that corruption by local leaders was responsible for PCMC's financial decline. He stated that the civic body, once recognized as Asia's wealthiest, was now under significant debt.
Addressing his final rally in Dapodi, Pawar asserted he had raised these corruption allegations from the beginning of the campaign. He claimed his opponents failed to provide an adequate response. "Instead, efforts were made to give the campaign an emotional color and divide people on religious lines," he alleged.
Silence Period Begins Before Voting Day
With campaigning officially ending on Tuesday evening, Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad now enter a mandatory 48-hour silence period. This quiet period precedes the day voters take charge, which is Thursday.
What remains clear is that the past two weeks were as dynamic as any in recent civic election history. The campaign was driven by bold promises, sound bytes both on and off the streets, and a palpable buzz that reached every nook and cranny of the city. The stage is now set for the electorate to make their choice.
