Pune: Political Aspirants Spend Crores on Free Devdarshan Yatra Ahead of First Municipal Election in Wagholi
Wagholi, 9th September 2025: With the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, political aspirants in the newly included Wagholi area are pulling out all stops to woo voters. Discussions are ongoing about a proposed ward division connecting Vimannagar and Kharadi to Wagholi, prompting candidates to launch large-scale initiatives to attract attention.
In an unprecedented move, several aspirants have organized free Devdarshan Yatras (pilgrimage to relgious places), booking multiple trains at a cost running into crores of rupees. About nine trains have been reserved on different dates, with star-rated arrangements including travel, lodging, meals, advertising, permits, and staff management. The estimated cost per train is around ₹70 lakh, bringing the total expenditure on voter outreach to approximately ₹6–7 crore.
The proposed municipal division plans to connect Vimannagar ward number three on the left side of the city road toward Ahilyanagar and Kharadi Chandannagar ward on the right, extending up to Wagholi. As this will be the first municipal election in Wagholi, aspirants are eager to secure their position as the first corporator.
Hoardings promoting the free Ujjain religious Yatra have appeared across Vimannagar, Kharadi, and Wagholi, attracting curiosity from voters in these relatively elite areas. Sources say aspirants are also preparing for the festive season, including Ganpati and Navratri, which will further increase campaign expenditure.
Voters are noting the lavish spending and commenting that while the “trailer” of the election has already cost crores, the actual “film” of election expenditure is yet to unfold. With ward structures, party alliances, and candidate line-ups still uncertain, political observers predict that the final spending figures could be significantly higher.
