Pune: BJP Strongholds Chinchwad and Bhosari Get Larger PCMC Budget Share, While NCP’s Pimpri Lags Behind

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 25th February 2025: The budget proposed by Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has been widely praised for its ambition and planning. However, a closer examination of the allocation by the Maharashtra Legislative Constituency reveals potential favouritism and partiality.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led constituencies Chinchwad and Bhosari appear to have received preferential treatment compared to the Pimpri Constituency, represented by an Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA. Chinchwad Constituency has been allocated the highest amount of Rs 2,778 crores, followed by Bhosari Constituency with Rs 1,913 crores. In contrast, Pimpri Constituency has been allotted only Rs 1,180 crores for development.

This disparity has fueled speculation in political circles about BJP receiving favours while the NCP is being sidelined. The total PCMC budget for the upcoming financial year 2025-26 is Rs 9,675 crores, presented by PCMC Administrator and Commissioner Shekhar Singh on 21st February.

PCMC has been under Administrative Rule since March 2022, with Singh presenting the budget for the third consecutive year. The absence of corporators has given the PCMC Chief sole decision-making authority.

Reports indicate that BJP MLAs met with the PCMC Chief to request provisions for their constituencies. Chinchwad MLA Shankar Jagtap and MLC Amit Gorakhe (both BJP) met Singh on the same day, while Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge and MLC Uma Khapare (also BJP) had meetings on consecutive days before the budget presentation. NCP’s Anna Bansode, the MLA from Pimpri, did not meet with Shekhar Singh.

Despite Pimpri Constituency including areas with slums and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway, it received a comparatively low budget allocation.

When asked about this disparity, PCMC Chief Shekhar Singh stated, “Development Plan (DP) Roads will be developed in Chinchwad and Bhosari. Newly included villages, bridges, and other works will be undertaken. Budget provisions have been made according to the needs of the entire Pimpri Chinchwad. Therefore, you cannot say that anyone has been particularly favoured.”