Will Murlidhar Mohol Deliver on His Promise to Make Pune India’s Best City?
Reported by Tikam Shekhawat and Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 12th June 2024: Murlidhar Mohol has been elected as the MP for Pune Lok Sabha Constituency, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Mahayuti. Mohol secured victory by defeating Mahavikas Aghadi candidate Ravindra Dhangekar from the Indian National Congress by a significant margin of 1,22,726 votes. Mohol’s strategic campaigning, along with Dhangekar’s efforts, contributed to his win.
Mohol’s Pre-Election Promise
In an interview with Punekar News before the election, Mohol promised all Pune citizens that he would make Pune India’s best city. Now that the elections are over and Mohol has emerged victorious, Punekars have only one question: will their beloved Murli Anna fulfill the promise he made before the elections?
Facing the Reality
Mohol visited Delhi for the first time and was appointed Union Minister of State for Aviation and Cooperation. However, upon his return to Pune, he is confronted with a sea of long-standing issues that have prevented Pune from achieving its potential as the best city in India. These problems, including traffic congestion, water shortages, youth unemployment, rising crime rates, unchecked population growth, and various forms of pollution, have been exacerbated by recent flooding caused by poor drainage systems during the rainy season.
Furthermore, Pune Airport requires development to meet the demands of a city of this size. Land acquisition for the construction of a new independent airport in Purandar is underway. Additionally, infrastructure projects such as highway construction, the ring road project, and the stalled collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for water management of rivers and dams surrounding the city all contribute to Pune’s infrastructural challenges. How Murli Anna will address these issues is a pressing question.
Challenges Facing Mohol
Mohol has been elected as Pune’s MP for the first time, lacking significant experience in the Lok Sabha. Adding to his burden, he holds two portfolios as Union Minister of State: Aviation and Cooperation, both demanding considerable dedication due to their importance. Mohol faces strong opposition from Ravindra Dhangekar and Vasant More, both of whom will capitalize on any misstep he makes, amidst the never-ending expectations of Pune citizens. Mentally, this job is undeniably challenging.
The stalled inauguration of Pune Airport’s new terminal poses a significant challenge for Mohol, especially given his role as Aviation Minister. People will undoubtedly look to him to expedite its completion. Additionally, the acquisition of land for a separate airport in Purandar Taluka faces staunch local opposition, placing Mohol in a precarious position where failure to make progress could be seen as a personal failure.
As Cooperation Minister, Mohol is expected to generate employment opportunities in Pune, stimulate new businesses, and drive economic growth. Additionally, as an MP of Pune city, people will surely look to Mohol to address traffic congestion, water shortages, drainage issues, and rising crime rates. Falling short in any of these areas could shatter the hopes of Pune’s people, who have placed their trust in him.
Advantages in Mohol’s Favor
Murli Anna, with his past experience as the mayor of the Pune Municipal Corporation and Standing Committee chairman, brings decades of ground-level activism to the table. This provides him with a clear understanding of Pune’s challenges. Throughout his election campaigns, Mohol repeatedly pledged to tackle civic issues and expedite infrastructure projects for Pune’s betterment. He outlined comprehensive plans for city development, encompassing basic amenities, traffic solutions, road upgrades, and eco-friendly initiatives. Mohol envisioned Pune transitioning to carbon emission-free status through renewable energy adoption and sewage treatment projects.
Moreover, Mohol prioritized youth employment by advocating for the expansion of small-scale industries and IT hubs. To address commuting challenges, he supported the expansion of Pune Metro and the development of better feeder services, alongside the forthcoming airport for enhanced connectivity. He also promised a balanced approach between development and environmental conservation to elevate Pune’s overall quality of life.
Undoubtedly, the position Mohol occupies presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring relentless dedication in the years ahead. However, with careful planning and expert consultation, Mohol is poised to fulfill the promise he made to Punekars: to make Pune India’s best city.
