Pune Gears Up for PMC Elections with 4-Member Ward Format; Corporator Count May Drop to 165

Pune, 7th May 2025: The Supreme Court has directed that elections to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) be held within four months, triggering renewed political activity in the city. Several aspirants had stalled campaign preparations, expecting no polls without a caste-based census. With the court’s clear mandate, the election process is now expected to move swiftly once the state government issues an official notification.

The state has confirmed the implementation of a four-member-per-ward system, requiring the election of 166 corporators from 42 wards. However, the exclusion of Fursungi and Uruli Devachi from PMC limits may lead to a revision in the total number of corporators, possibly reducing the figure to 165.

Ward Revisions and Political Implications
Recent boundary changes—particularly the exclusion of Fursungi and Uruli Devachi—will necessitate a redrawing of ward boundaries. These changes could fuel internal competition within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, as parties lobby for favorable ward demarcations.

PMC has been under administrative rule since the elected body’s term ended in March 2022. A previous plan by the MVA government in 2019 had proposed three-member wards and an increase to 173 corporators across 58 wards. That plan saw initial ward formation and public hearings, but legal challenges brought the process to a halt.

The Mahayuti government later reinstated the four-member ward format and passed the revised bill in March 2024. However, implementation was once again delayed due to ongoing litigation.

Population-Based Seat Allocation
Under updated municipal laws based on the 2011 census, cities with a population of 30 lakh are allocated 161 corporators, with one additional seat per extra lakh of population. Pune’s population, including newly merged villages, is currently estimated at 35.5 lakh—justifying the initial plan for 166 corporators.

However, the removal of Fursungi and Uruli Devachi, which together have a population of approximately 75,000, reduces the total to around 34.75 lakh. This may lead to a revision in the final number of seats to 165.

Alternative Division Plans Under Consideration:
41 four-member wards and one two-member ward
40 four-member wards and two three-member wards
An official decision will follow the state’s updated notification, expected soon.