Thousands of residents living in civilian pockets under the Pune and Khadki Cantonment Boards are facing a severe democratic crisis, caught in an administrative limbo that has stripped them of their right to vote. With no progress on a proposed merger with local municipal bodies and no official word on conducting elections for the cantonment boards themselves, these citizens feel politically abandoned.
A Promise Made, A Promise Forgotten
The current frustration stems from an announcement made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in July, which promised the excision of civilian areas from cantonment board jurisdiction. This move was warmly welcomed by residents who have long endured inadequate funds, lack of basic amenities, and crumbling infrastructure. However, five months later, there has been no tangible progress, leaving people anxious and disillusioned.
Brigadier Tarunesh, the station commander of the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), confirmed the standstill, stating they have received no communication regarding the excision. The administration, he said, awaits clarity from both state and Central authorities. Attempts to reach Khadki Cantonment Board (KCB) CEO Meenakshi Lohia and station commander Brigadier PS Joti for comments were unsuccessful.
The Fallout: Civic Darkness and Political Disenfranchisement
The core of the problem is financial and administrative. A former PCB member explained that cantonment boards, reliant on limited internal revenue and Central grants, are struggling to function as urban local bodies. "The problem is simple; there is no money," he said, highlighting the lack of both financial strength and full administrative freedom. This has resulted in what residents describe as a state of "civic darkness".
The most significant consequence of this deadlock is political disenfranchisement. With no elections conducted since the boards were dissolved in 2021, thousands of voters are effectively without representation. "Now we don't know whether we belong to the cantonment or the Pune Municipal Corporation. It feels like being deprived of a basic right," said activist Rajabhau Chavan from Pune Camp.
Activist Kiran Taware from Khadki echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that an elected body is essential to address local issues. "If the govt does not proceed with excision, then cantonment elections should be conducted separately," Taware asserted.
Essential Services in Peril
The administrative vacuum has a direct and painful impact on daily life. Critical civic issues like streetlight repairs, garbage collection, water supply, and road maintenance remain pending for months. Residents report a constant runaround, with every department citing limited funds and pending decisions.
"We are stuck between the cantonment board and the state govt," said Pune Camp resident Murtuza Poonawala, capturing the collective frustration. "If this merger is the plan, then why delay it? And if elections are the way, then why not announce them?"
As the impasse continues, local organizations are mobilizing. Plans are underway for petitions and citizens' meetings to demand urgent clarity from the state government. The message from the shopkeepers and taxpayers is clear and unified: Either merge us or let us vote. But don't leave us hanging like this.
