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PUNE: Counting of votes for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections began on Friday, a day after civic polls recorded a low voter turnout of 54%, slightly below the 55.5% in 2017.
The results are expected later today, setting the stage for a closely watched political outcome.Key Highlights
- BJP ahead in 4 seats in Pune, leading in 5 in Pimpri-Chinchwad
- Turnout drops further: PMC recorded an approximate 54% voter turnout, marginally lower than 55.5% in the 2017 elections, with over 40% voters choosing to stay away from the polling booths.
- PCMC fares slightly better: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) registered around 60% turnout, though this too marked a decline from 65.3% in 2017.
- Confusion at polling booths: Voters cited changes in polling stations, missing or duplicate names on electoral rolls, incorrect booth details on voter slips, and families being split across different wards as major deterrents.
- Four-member ward system adds to uncertainty: Many voters and analysts said the new ward structure confused voters, especially senior citizens and first-time voters.
- Political realignments impact voter mood: Unexpected pre-poll alliances, last-minute party switches by candidates, and blurred ideological lines contributed to voter disengagement, experts said.
- Urban apathy persists: Analysts observed that turnout remained lower in gated communities and affluent areas, while slum pockets showed relatively higher participation, reflecting uneven civic engagement.
- Holiday effect: The proximity of the polls to the Sankranti holiday and a long weekend was cited as another factor affecting turnout, with many residents travelling out of the city.
BJP and Shiv Sena fought the polls for the two civic bodies on their own, while NCP and NCP (SP) joined hands. In the MVA camp, Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) contested together. Despite high-profile campaigning and active political presence across wards, the Pune PMC and PCMC elections saw voter turnout fall below 60%. Analysts suggest that electoral roll errors, political confusion, and a disconnect with civic issues were key factors, reflecting continuing urban voter apathy in major cities across Maharashtra.
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