Mohol’s Clear Message: Newly Elected Pune Corporators Warned of Losing Civic Posts Over Illegal Flex Banners
PUNE – In a move to reclaim the city’s skyline following the recent municipal elections, Union Minister of State and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol has issued a high-level directive to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to strip the city of all unauthorized flex banners and hoardings.
In a stern message that has sent ripples through political circles, Mohol emphasized that the crackdown will not spare anyone, including the newly elected corporators from his own party. The directive comes just days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a landslide victory in the PMC elections, which was immediately followed by a deluge of “congratulatory” banners across major squares and arterial roads.
Mohol to PMC: “Clean the City Without Bias”
During a session at the Pune Union of Working Journalists, Mohol instructed Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to initiate an immediate and thorough cleaning drive. The MP stated that the party had contested the elections on a manifesto promising a “Flex-Free Pune,” and maintaining that promise is non-negotiable.
“Citizens have elected us for development and a better urban experience. We cannot allow the city to be defaced by illegal hoardings under the guise of celebration,” Mohol remarked. He further clarified that while workers from all political parties have contributed to the clutter, the administrative action must be impartial and swift.
Threat of Post-Loss for Defiant Corporators
Adding teeth to his directive, Mohol issued a significant warning regarding internal party discipline. He indicated that corporators who continue to flout norms by installing unauthorized flexes might find themselves sidelined during the appointment of prestigious civic roles.
Key positions such as the Leader of the House, Standing Committee memberships, and other specialized committee chairmanships are currently under consideration. Mohol suggested that a candidate’s adherence to the “Flex-Free” policy would be a key metric in evaluating their suitability for these leadership roles.
PMC Mobilizes Enforcement Squads
Responding to the MP’s orders, the Pune Municipal Corporation has activated dedicated enforcement squads across all 15 ward offices. The Sky Sign and Licensing Department has been tasked with not only removing the physical banners but also tracing the source of the materials.
- Legal Action: The PMC is set to invoke the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act against violators.
- Printer Accountability: Printing presses that fail to include their names and permit numbers on flex banners will face registration cancellations and heavy fines.
- Target Areas: Initial focus remains on high-traffic zones like Shivajinagar, Kothrud, Baner, and the Peth areas, where visual clutter is most prominent.
Fulfilling the “Flex-Free Pune” Manifesto
The BJP’s 2026 election manifesto explicitly highlighted urban aesthetics and safety, specifically citing the “menace of illegal hoardings” as a priority issue. Previous incidents in Pune, including tragic hoarding collapses, have made residents and civic activists particularly sensitive to unregulated outdoor advertising.
By taking a hard line against his own successful candidates, Mohol aims to signal a shift in governance style for the new term—prioritizing civic discipline over traditional political optics.
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