Pune: Senior BJP Leaders Allegedly Pressure PMC Officials to Lift Entry Ban on Tainted Party Member; Minister Calls Commissioner

Pune, 14th November 2025: Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are reportedly pressuring Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials to withdraw an entry ban imposed on a BJP functionary accused of harassing a woman officer.

Sources said that a state minister recently spoke to the Municipal Commissioner over phone regarding the matter, and a senior BJP office-bearer is expected to meet the Commissioner on Monday along with the banned functionary.

In June, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram had barred six individuals—including a BJP Labour Wing office-bearer—from entering the PMC headquarters and civic properties. The action followed a complaint by a woman officer from the Health Department, who alleged that the functionary stalked her, made derogatory remarks, and caused mental harassment. A criminal case was registered at Shivajinagar Police Station, and some contractual security guards who supported the accused were also included in the action.

Despite the ban, several of those restricted have reportedly been seen roaming inside PMC premises. The matter is currently sub judice.
Meanwhile, staff members claimed that political pressure to reverse the action has already resulted in the reinstatement of the suspended security guards. With municipal elections approaching, BJP leaders are said to be concerned that an active entry ban on a party functionary could lead to embarrassment. As a result, senior leaders have reportedly urged the Commissioner and Additional Commissioners to lift the ban.

Sources said a city minister had phoned the Commissioner a few days ago requesting the same.

According to insiders, a senior BJP leader plans to visit the Commissioner on Monday, accompanied by the banned functionary, to present an apology letter as part of efforts to revoke the ban.

‘How Are We Supposed to Work if This Happens?’
Several PMC employees and officers expressed frustration, stating that political interference has made it increasingly difficult to work.

“We constantly face harassment from political leaders and their workers. For the first time, the Commissioner took a firm step by imposing an entry ban. Now, political pressure is being used to reverse it. If the ban is lifted, how are we expected to work?” some staff members said.