"No water no vote": Pune residents threaten election boycott over civic issues

With the Maharashtra Assembly elections just around the corner, scheduled for November 20, these residents are taking a bold stance, warning that they will boycott the polls unless their demands are met.

The residents, numbering over 2.5 lakh, are frustrated with the lack of proper sewage systems, erratic water supply, and poorly maintained roads. Despite repeated complaints and agitations, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has failed to address these fundamental issues, leaving the residents feeling neglected."We have been living in this area for the last four years and I have got very near and dear friends, and family living here for the last 18-20 years and this area, especially Undri has not seen any development at all. The builder promised us a lot of things when we moved in here. We were promised that there will be water here for the 24 hours, yes we do have it, but we buy it from the tanker fellows," a local resident said.

To amplify their discontent, residents have put up banners in local areas and societies with the slogans "No Water, No Vote" and "No Infra, No Tax" .This move is aimed at grabbing the attention of politicians and policymakers, who are currently campaigning for the upcoming elections.

A local resident emphasized that the community has been patient for years but can no longer tolerate the absence of basic amenities. They demanded that the government resolve these issues before expecting their participation in the elections.

As the election date draws near, this protest gains significance, highlighting the growing discontent among citizens. The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies set for November 23.In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena 56, and the Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, the Shiv Sena 63, and the Congress 42. (ANI)