In Pune's Shivajinagar area, a determined group of about fifteen women gathered on Monday morning. They held pamphlets and voters' slips, ready to walk from door to door. Their mission was clear: appeal directly to residents and ask for support for their candidate.
Campaigning Across the City
Not far away, in the Sangamwadi area, a team of young workers planned an enthusiastic bike rally for the afternoon. They wanted to show strong support for their local candidate. These scenes played out in various parts of Pune as candidates from different political parties activated their dedicated teams.
With the crucial civic elections polling day approaching fast, campaigners of all ages and backgrounds hit the streets. They worked tirelessly throughout Monday, engaging with citizens in multiple ways.
Direct Voter Contact
Workers organized small meetings in housing societies. They set up assistance kiosks in residential areas to help voters find their names on electoral rolls. Several political parties also conducted road shows and corner meetings to reach individual electors.
A candidate meeting voters in Yerawada reported that his team had already completed two full rounds of home visits. He said they planned to finish another round by Tuesday.
"Voters always remember when a candidate or their team visits their home," explained a candidate from the Navi Peth area. "That's why we are focusing intensely on door-to-door visits during these final two days of campaigning."
The Final Push
The public campaign for the January 15 polls must end by 5:30 PM on Tuesday evening. Candidates are making the most of every remaining hour to connect with voters.
A total of 1,155 candidates are competing for 165 seats across 41 wards. Political leaders note that since most parties are fighting these civic polls independently, the competition presents unique challenges. Many expect the election outcome to be particularly interesting as a result.
Party Strategies
A senior BJP functionary revealed that the party prepared detailed, area-wise lists of electors for each ward. Through 2,600 booth units, BJP workers have been taking their agenda directly to citizens in recent days. Now, teams have shifted to "personal campaigning"—making direct phone calls to voters and maintaining contact until polling day.
Meanwhile, a Congress functionary said the party has fully activated its local-level units. On Monday, instructions went out to intensify home visits before Tuesday's deadline.
"Our teams completed initial rounds of campaigning in all wards where Congress candidates are contesting the Pune Municipal Corporation polls," the functionary stated. "We conducted these campaigns jointly with Shiv Sena (UBT) as well. We're receiving positive responses from voters who are completely frustrated with BJP's unfulfilled promises and project failures."
As the clock ticks down, Pune's political landscape buzzes with last-minute efforts. Candidates and their supporters work relentlessly, hoping their final personal touches will make the difference when voters cast their ballots.
