As the dust settles on the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, Pune is now gearing up for the much-awaited Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections. The city has been without elected representatives for over two and a half years, leading to growing concerns among citizens about the lack of municipal facilities and governance.
The delay in PMC elections can be attributed to ongoing legal disputes over ward composition, population metrics, and OBC reservation. The PMC had initially finalized a draft ward structure, but changes in the state government and the exclusion of two villages from PMC limits have added complexity to the process.
Leaders are predicting that the municipal elections may be held in April 2024, with some officials warning that creating new ward structures could further delay the process. The number of wards remains a contentious issue, with the BJP favoring merging four wards into one and the NCP advocating for a two-ward structure.
The Mahayuti coalition, led by NCP leader Ajit Pawar, could potentially contest the PMC elections jointly, resolving the debate over ward structures. However, separate contests could reignite disputes and further delay the elections.
Approximately 30 petitions related to ward structures and Maratha reservation are pending in the Supreme Court, with party workers expecting the state government to expedite resolutions following their victory in the Assembly elections.
As citizens eagerly await clarity on the PMC elections, activists and political workers are hopeful that the process will be expedited to ensure effective governance in Pune once again. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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