Pune Municipal Elections: Cash-for-Votes Claims Trigger Political Storm in Ward 9
Baner, 4th January 2026: Political tensions have escalated sharply in Pune Municipal Corporation ward number 9 after serious allegations of voter bribery surfaced amid the ongoing civic election campaign. A video purportedly showing a woman discussing voter names and cash distribution has gone viral on social media, triggering a political storm and prompting strong reactions from opposition leaders.
BJP candidates from ward number 9 — Ganesh Kalmkar, Lahu Balwadkar, Rohini Chimte and Mayuri Kokate — have directly accused Samir Chandere, Pune city youth president of the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), of being involved in the alleged distribution of money to voters. The BJP leaders have launched a sharp attack on the ruling alliance, claiming the incident has dealt a major blow to the credibility of the election process in the ward.
According to the BJP candidates, voter names were allegedly being recorded in certain areas of ward number 9, following which cash was distributed through a woman. The video claimed to be linked to this activity has spread widely across social media platforms, intensifying scrutiny and public debate.
The BJP has claimed that the viral video shows the woman speaking about voter names and money, and if proven authentic, it would amount to a serious violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Political observers have also noted that such allegations, if substantiated, could invite strict action from the Election Commission.
Taking an aggressive political stand, BJP leaders alleged that attempts were being made to retain power through monetary influence. They further claimed that administrative authorities were allegedly turning a blind eye due to the accused individual’s proximity to the ruling leadership. The BJP has demanded that Samir Chandere be externed from Pune for the duration of the election period.
Ganesh Kalmkar, Lahu Balwadkar, Rohini Chimte and Mayuri Kokate stated that they have formally raised the matter with the Chief Minister, seeking immediate verification of the video and strict legal action against those found guilty. They have demanded the registration of criminal cases if the allegations are confirmed.
Samir Chandere is the Pune city youth president of the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) and the son of senior party leader Baburao Chandere, who is considered close to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Chandere has previously been linked to multiple controversies, and the latest allegations have further compounded his political challenges.
As campaigning intensifies ahead of the Pune civic polls, the controversy has added to the already charged political atmosphere in the city.
