Pune: Balwadkar Alleges Political Vendetta Behind Cancellation of Development Funds for Sus, Baner, Pashan Areas

Baner, 18th August 2026: Corporator Amol Balwadkar has alleged that funds sanctioned for development projects in Ward No. 9 of the Kothrud Assembly constituency were cancelled due to political rivalry, potentially affecting planned road, drainage, garden and other civic infrastructure works.

According to a press release issued by Balwadkar, the funds had been approved for several projects intended to improve basic amenities in the ward. He claimed that a reconsideration proposal was introduced before the Pune Municipal Corporation’s General Body following political intervention by BJP MLA Chandrakant Patil, resulting in the cancellation of the funds.

Balwadkar said the move followed an earlier proposal to conduct a “special audit” of development projects and expenditure in the ward. He maintained that cancelling the funds would affect residents rather than merely undermine him politically.

“If there are political differences with me, they should be fought at the political level. It is not right to obstruct development projects that are the rightful due of the people of Ward No. 9. Roads, drainage systems, gardens and other basic amenities are not my personal projects; they are necessities and rights of the citizens,” Balwadkar said.

He warned that the cancellation could stall several planned projects and directly inconvenience residents.

Criticising Patil, Balwadkar said the decision reflected a “neither work nor allow others to work” approach.

“Obstructing public development projects because of political hostility is an injustice to the citizens of Kothrud,” he said.

Balwadkar, however, asserted that political obstacles would not halt development efforts in the ward. Referring to the development-oriented approach of the late Ajit Pawar, he said work in Ward No. 9 and the surrounding areas would continue under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and Member of Parliament Parth Pawar.

“No matter how many political obstacles arise, our work for the development of the people will not stop,” he said.

Balwadkar argued that municipal development funds do not belong to any individual but come from citizens’ taxes and must be used to provide public amenities. He demanded that the decision be withdrawn immediately and that all planned projects be restored.

“Political battles may continue, but Ward No. 9 and the citizens of Kothrud should not be made to suffer because of them,” he said.

Note: Response from Chandrakant Patil and the Pune Municipal Corporation will be added after they send it.