The final weekend before the campaign deadline for the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic elections transformed the twin cities into a vibrant political carnival. With campaigning set to stop on January 13, Saturday and Sunday were packed with non-stop action from dawn to dusk, bringing politics directly to the neighbourhoods.
A Symphony of Rallies and Public Engagement
From the quiet lanes of Wanowrie to the bustling streets of Sus on PCMC's edge, campaign teams were out in full force. The air was filled with the sound of party jingles and sloganeering as motorbike rallies kicked off early, with volunteers marching alongside their candidates. Campaign vans equipped with loudspeakers crisscrossed main roads, ensuring no voter remained unaware of the election fervour.
Contesting from Ward 3, Aishwarya Pathare remarked on the extraordinary energy. "This weekend was unlike any other. We had bike rallies, late-night corner sabhas and even small street performances in housing societies. People are more responsive and also asking direct questions about development and basic issues," she said. This sentiment was echoed on the ground, where a spirited bike rally led by helmeted riders in party colours snaked through Lohegaon and Vimannagar before culminating in a corner meeting.
Direct Voter Connect: From Padayatras to Street Debates
Beyond the noise and colour, candidates employed creative formats for a direct connection. In Sus village of Ward 9, a long padayatra drew scores of residents who marched alongside supporters, demanding better roads and services. NCP candidate Amol Balwadkar noted the deep community engagement, with crowds lining up in every lane and youth participating actively in discussions about schools, safety, water, and markets.
Similarly, during a Sunday padayatra, NCP (SP) candidate Jayesh Murkute highlighted the plight of neglected areas like Mahalunge. He outlined a vision for Ward 9 focused on systematic development, transparent governance, and people-centric planning, emphasising walkable footpaths, waste management, and road completion.
Citizens' Response: Festival-Like Energy and Concerns
For many residents, the campaign's intensity felt like a festival. Shalini Deshpande, a school teacher from Aundh, found the weekend's energy exciting, helping her understand political choices better through various gatherings and discussions. Local businesses, like the tea stall of Dhananjay Jadhav in Shivajinagar, also benefited from the continuous flow of party workers.
However, the relentless campaigning had its downsides. Rajiv Patil, a software professional in Pimpri, pointed out the noise pollution, especially from loudspeakers continuing past 9 PM, which proved tough for families and children. Meanwhile, candidates like Suhas Tingre in Ward 2 acknowledged the vibrant, sometimes overwhelming atmosphere as a sign of a living democracy, and Anand Goyal in Ward 6 took a quieter approach, cycling through markets to hand out flyers and answer questions directly.
As the campaign enters its final 48-hour stretch, the unveiling of joint manifestos promising civic improvements like free metro and bus services marks the culmination of a week where colour, sound, and movement brought the democratic process to every corner of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
