BJP Takes U-Turn on 24×7 Water Supply Promise in Pune, Claims “Equal Water Distribution Is the Same”: MoS Murlidhar Mohol
Pune, 21st January 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had promised 24×7 water supply to Pune city in its last two municipal election manifestos, has now taken a U-turn on the issue. Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that providing “equal water distribution” across the city is effectively the same as 24-hour water supply.
Addressing interaction programme organised by the Pune Union of Working Journalists (PUWJ) on Wednesday, Mohol stated that the BJP is focused on ensuring uniform and equitable water supply to all parts of Pune. “Our effort is to see how Pune can get water in an equal manner. Whether you call it 24×7 water supply or equal water supply, both mean the same,” he claimed.
The programme was attended by PUWJ president Brijmohan Patil and general secretary Mangesh Phalle, among others.
Mohol said that in the recently held municipal elections, voters chose BJP after thinking about Pune’s future direction. “People saw the development work being done over the past few years. That is why BJP got such a massive mandate again,” he said. He added that key projects like equal water supply, river rejuvenation and sewage treatment plant (STP) works are in their final stages.
He also criticised the opposition for indulging in negative politics and personal attacks. “They attacked me and the party personally, but we ignored that and fought the election only on the plank of development,” Mohol said.
Speaking about the cooperation sector, Mohol said Maharashtra remains the country’s hub of cooperative movements. “About 50 crore people across the country are directly connected with the cooperative sector. While states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have done well, the sector needs to grow in other states too. That is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi set up a separate Ministry of Cooperation,” he said. He added that a national cooperative university has been established to train around 17 lakh skilled professionals.
On aviation infrastructure, Mohol said Pune airport would soon get 300 acres of land for expansion and work would start shortly. “Ten years ago, India had 74 airports; today there are 165. Maharashtra has the highest number with 14 operational airports. We are hopeful that work on the Purandar airport will also begin soon,” he said.
Instructions to Make Pune Flex-Free
Mohol said he has instructed Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to take strict action against unauthorised flex banners. “We want a flex-free Pune. I have clearly told the commissioner that no illegal flexes should be allowed. If any flexes with my name or photo are found, they should be removed immediately. Action should be taken against those who suddenly surface only through flexes,” he said.
‘Punekars Are the Real Rulers’
Emphasising transparency and accountability, Mohol said, “Punekars are the real caretakers of the city. The people are the real owners. We are only their representatives, not their masters. All corporators must work by taking people’s problems seriously.”
He assured that efforts are being made not just to develop Pune but also to make it safer, adding that the city’s image would not be allowed to be tarnished in any way.
