Pune: PMC Ignoring Illegal Political Hoardings? Citizens Question Inaction Despite Commissioner’s Orders
Pune, 14th November 2025: Illegal political hoardings have mushroomed across Pune soon after the municipal election reservation lottery was announced, sparking criticism from citizens who say the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is turning a blind eye to the violations. Despite clear instructions from Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to remove unauthorized flexes and file cases against offenders, no action appears to have been taken against political banners dominating the cityscape.
With aspiring candidates launching early campaigns, flex boards featuring names, greetings, cut-outs and promotional messages have been put up on main roads, squares, public building walls, electric poles and even trees. Residents say the city has been “visually disfigured” and daily movement has become inconvenient due to banners blocking footpaths and traffic views.
None of these hoardings have received mandatory permissions from PMC, citizens said. While the administration is quick to penalize ordinary citizens for unauthorized advertisements, political hoardings continue to remain untouched. This selective inaction has led many to question whether the civic body is offering “protection” to political aspirants.
Commissioner’s Orders Not Followed
When Naval Kishore Ram took charge, he directed the Sky Signs Department and regional offices to crack down on illegal flexes and even file criminal cases. Initial action was taken, and a few notices were issued. Officials claimed that only a limited number of hoardings remained in the city.
However, enforcement has slowed down significantly over the past few days. The action taken was largely restricted to commercial hoardings and minor advertisements, while political flexes—now rising sharply—have been completely ignored.
Regional Offices Accused of Selective Action
Regional offices, responsible for preventing the city’s visual clutter, had earlier been given specific targets for filing cases. While they complied briefly, activists allege that the administration has been discriminatory by excluding political figures from action. “Only commercial flexes are being targeted, while political hoardings are left untouched,” citizens said.
Action Will Be Intensified, Says Sky Signs Department
Officials now claim they will step up enforcement.
“We will identify and record those who have put up illegal political hoardings. Strict action will be taken against unauthorized banners, flexes and posters across the city,” said Madhav Jagtap from the Sky Signs Department.
Despite the assurance, residents say that unless PMC acts uniformly and without political bias, the problem will only worsen as the civic election season progresses.
