Zubair Memon, a candidate from Prahar for Hadapsar, talked openly about the big differences in his area, which includes both wealthy neighborhoods like Magarpatta and Amenora, and poorer places like Kondhwa, Sayyadnagar, and Undri.
As the 2024 elections get closer, candidates from different parties gathered in Pune to talk about important problems in their areas. They pointed out issues like the huge gap between rich and poor neighborhoods and the lack of basic services in growing urban areas.
Memon expressed his worries about how the poorer areas are often ignored. He mentioned that many residents belong to SC, ST, OBC, and Muslim communities. He believes illegal buildings and political corruption are holding back development in these regions.
Recently, Memon shared that he was attacked by people connected to the NCP. He felt that this incident didn’t receive enough media attention, making it harder for him to communicate his community’s needs to the government.
Sudeep Gaikwad, representing the BSP in Wadgaon Sheri, shared serious concerns about the living conditions in the city’s slums. People there deal with bad housing, poor sanitation, and water shortages every day.
Gaikwad also spoke about the unfair treatment of certain social groups in politics. He praised Mayawati for her work to help Dalits and OBCs, criticizing the media for not giving her enough credit. He called for unity among these groups to make their voices stronger in politics.
Vivek Londhe from VBA, also in Wadgaon Sheri, described similar issues, like waterlogging that causes trouble for residents every morning. He emphasized the need for better schools, as some may close due to neglect.
Londhe promised to fight for free education from kindergarten to college and criticized the connections between politicians and contractors that slow down progress. He highlighted the need for improved healthcare facilities in his area.
Independent candidate Sachin Siddhe explained why he chose the air-conditioner (AC) as his election symbol. He wants to represent tech workers in Pune and aims to “cool down” the political climate.
Siddhe believes in better urban planning to address issues like traffic and flooding. He also suggested creating reserved spaces for homes built in unauthorized areas as a practical solution.
All candidates agreed on the need to tackle health, water, drainage, and education issues in their neighborhoods. They expressed frustration with the lack of action from current leaders and are committed to finding real solutions for the people they represent.