Ajit Pawar: “In Municipal Elections, Those Putting More Banners Should Not Get Votes”
Pimpri Chinchwad, 23rd August 2025: Raising concerns over the growing menace of illegal hoardings and banners, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday urged citizens not to vote for candidates who indulge in “banner politics” during the upcoming municipal elections.
“In the elections, those whose banners are plastered everywhere are often the ones who do not work. People should not vote for such candidates,” Pawar said. He also directed that if any unauthorized banners carry his photograph or that of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, they must be removed immediately, and criminal action should be taken against both those responsible for erecting them and the hoarding owners.
Pawar was speaking at the inauguration of the Swachh Sanman Sohla (Cleanliness Awards Ceremony) and the preparatory activities for Swachh Survekshan 2025–26 under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, held at the Ramkrishna More Auditorium in Chinchwad. The event was attended by Assembly Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode, MP Shrirang Barne, MLA Uma Khapre, Amit Gorkhe, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and Additional Commissioners Pradeep Jambhale, Vijaykumar Khorate, and Trupti Sandbhor, among others.
Civic Issues and Cleanliness Drive
Highlighting urban challenges, Pawar said Pimpri-Chinchwad is growing rapidly, with nearly 1,400 tonnes of garbage collected daily. He stressed the urgent need for proper disposal of biomedical and electronic waste. “The city ranked seventh in the country, but is Pimpri-Chinchwad really clean?” he asked, urging citizens not to litter and civic authorities to ensure regular cleaning.
He also pointed out rising pollution levels in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. “Pollution has increased so much that many people prefer to settle in Lonavala after retirement,” he remarked.
On development projects, Pawar referred to the river rejuvenation project, noting that there were differing opinions about its implementation. He said discussions would be held with the Water Resources Department to chart the way forward, assuring that all necessary assistance for the city’s development would be provided.
“Water in Plastic Bottles is Hazardous”
Pawar also warned against the dangers of bottled water. “Medical experts say drinking water from plastic bottles is harmful, as microplastic particles seep into it. Plastic is extremely dangerous and must be completely banned. I am pursuing this matter with the Chief Minister as well,” he said.
Differing Opinions on the Commissioner
During the event, MP Shrirang Barne commented that Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh is “stubborn but gets the work done.” Pawar, picking up on the remark, said, “Barne says the commissioner works, but whether that is true or not, ask Anna Bansode.” He added that MPs and all five MLAs from the city hold differing opinions about the commissioner’s style of functioning.
