Pune Voters Scrutinize Polling Details After Ward Boundary Shifts
Voters in Pune are taking extra precautions to confirm their ward and polling booth information. This careful verification comes after recent delimitation altered boundaries and booth locations in several merged areas.
Residents in Merged Areas Exercise Caution
In neighborhoods like Sus, Wagholi, Lohegaon, Undri, and Pisoli, ward boundaries have changed. Citizens are actively using online voter search links and official helplines to ensure their names appear correctly on electoral rolls. Election officials have strongly encouraged this proactive approach before polling day.
Ramesh Khandve, a resident of Wagholi, shared his experience. "We always knew our booth location in the past," he said. "After our area expanded and wards were redrawn, I checked the voter search link twice. I also confirmed details with our society office to eliminate any doubt on election day."
Subtle Changes Spark Discussions in Western Pune
Even in established western parts of the city, such as Kothrud, residents are noticing discrepancies. People living in neighboring buildings, and sometimes within the same housing society, find their names listed under different ward offices. This discovery has prompted lively discussions among residents.
Long-time Kothrud resident Shubhangi Kulkarni explained her situation. "My name is under the Kothrud ward office, but my neighbor's name is in another ward," she noted. "It's not a problem if we know where to go. However, it clearly shows that everyone needs to cross-check their exact details."
Social Media and Community Notices Aid Awareness
In eastern Pune areas like Lohegaon and Vimannagar, social media groups and housing society notices have become crucial tools. Volunteers and first-time voters are sharing official links and screenshots to help neighbors verify their polling information well in advance.
Akash More from Lohegaon emphasized the community's mindset. "We are being cautious, not confused," he stated. "No one wants to arrive at a booth only to find their name listed elsewhere. It's far better to confirm now than waste precious time on polling day."
New Developments Complicate Booth Mapping in Suburbs
The rapid development of new housing societies in suburbs like Undri and Pisoli has added complexity to booth assignments. Many voters report that their designated polling booth differs from previous elections, even though their residential address remains unchanged.
Farzana Shaikh, a Pisoli resident, described the process. "Our building is new, so we were uncertain about our assigned booth," she said. "I checked online and called the helpline. Now I know exactly where to go and have shared this information with others in my building."
Officials View Verification as Positive Sign
Election officials interpret this widespread verification as a sign of heightened voter awareness, not chaos. One official commented, "Voters demanded accurate electoral rolls and widespread publication of ward-wise information. They are using online platforms and local notices effectively to ensure they are well-informed."
The collective effort across Pune demonstrates a committed electorate determined to participate smoothly in the democratic process.
