One lakh voters from Kasba Peth to boycott State Assembly poll in Pune

Pune: Around one lakh voters have decided to boycott the State Legislative Assembly elections. The reason behind the drastic step: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has banned construction and repair of buildings in the 100-m periphery of heritage structures.

Consequently, redevelopment of old wadas around Shaniwarwada and Pataleshwar Caves cannot be done. Citizens are feeling stifled due to stringent rules and regulations made by the Central Government. MLAs, MPs and corporators never took the issue seriously. Therefore, one lakh citizens from Kasba Peth have decided to boycott the State Assembly polls, warned the Shaniwarwada Action Committee.

Shaniwarwada Action Committee’s Anupama Mujumdar said, “It is quite evident that the walls of Shaniwarwada cannot be damaged due to construction in the vicinity. Permission is still not granted for the same. There are many hurdles to redevelop wadas around the historic wada. Residents in the localities surrounding the wada have been deprived of basic services such as ambulances and fire brigade.

“The police do not allowe to agitate over the issue too. We are feeling muffled due to our helplessness, the arrogant government and the irritating functioning of the civic body. Therefore, one lakh residents of Kasba Peth will boycott the State Assembly elections.”