Maharashtra State Government Alters Pune Municipal Corporation Election Dynamics, Elections Expected In February 2025
Pune, 2nd March 2024: The Maharashtra state government has opted to shift the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections to a four-member ward structure, departing from the previously sanctioned three-member format. Consequently, the upcoming elections will witness the election of 166 corporators across 42 wards in Pune, with a noteworthy decrease of 7 corporators in ward four compared to the previous ward three structure.
The electoral landscape of the PMC underwent a transformation in the 2017 elections when a four-member ward structure was implemented. However, following the ascendancy of the Mahavikas Aghadi to power in the state in 2019, a decision was made to reorganize and allocate the three-member format to other municipalities, excluding Mumbai.
Additionally, there was a directive to augment the number of corporators.
Initially, plans were set in motion for 173 corporators to be elected from 58 wards in the PMC. The Municipal Corporation finalized the ward structure in accordance with the Election Commission’s order, but the elections faced delays due to a petition filed in court challenging the proposed ward structure. As of now, these long-awaited elections are anticipated to take place in February 2025.
The state government, seizing the opportunity, approved a bill pertinent to this modification in a state cabinet meeting on Thursday (29th February) and subsequently in the legislature on 1st March.
The dynamics of ward composition hinge on the amended provisions of the Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporation Act. The revised legislation stipulates an increase to 161 corporators for every 30 lakh population, with an additional corporator for every 1 lakh population beyond that threshold. The forthcoming municipal elections will adhere to the 2011 census data, indicating Pune’s population at 31 lakh 24 thousand during that period.
Crucially, political strategizing becomes paramount in determining the composition of the 166-member council. Two viable options are under consideration: the creation of 41 four-member wards and one two-member ward, or the establishment of 40 four-member wards with two three-member wards.
However, the pending decision regarding the exclusion of Fursungi and Uruli Devachi villages from the municipal corporation introduces an element of uncertainty. Should these villages be excluded, it would impact the overall population count and subsequently influence the composition of wards, adding an additional layer of complexity to the upcoming elections.
