The Wagholi Against Corruption Organization (WACO) has raised serious concerns over the use of an outdated voter list for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections. In a letter to the Election Commission of India, the citizens' group said that using the electoral roll with a cutoff date of July 1, 2025, could disenfranchise thousands of newly registered voters, especially first-time voters who recently turned 18.
Speaking on behalf of WACO, President Anil Kumar Mishra said, "The move is not just unfair but potentially unconstitutional. Article 326 of the Indian Constitution guarantees every adult citizen the right to vote, and excluding people who registered after July 1 violates this right." He also cited legal provisions and Supreme Court rulings that emphasize the importance of an updated and accurate voter list for any election. Wagholi, one of the newly merged areas under PMC limits, has long suffered from civic neglect. Residents have been struggling without basic amenities such as proper roads, water supply, drainage, and health services. “Now, denying them the right to vote adds to the years of injustice they have faced,” Mishra said.
Association demands intervention by EC
What has further upset residents is the fact that the official election dates have not even been declared, and the final ward structures and reservation lists are yet to be finalized. In this context, WACO feels that fixing a cutoff date as early as July 1 seems wrong and could be seen as an attempt to suppress the voice of new voters.
The association has demanded that the Election Commission immediately intervene and ensure a supplementary voter list is prepared, including all eligible citizens who registered after July 1. If no action is taken, WACO has said it will not hesitate to approach the High Court to protect the constitutional rights of Wagholi’s citizens.
“We’re not asking for any favor. We’re only asking for what’s right and what’s legal,” Mishra said, adding that the organization will continue to follow up with authorities until the issue is resolved.
As civic elections draw closer, the demand for a fair and inclusive voting process is growing louder. All eyes are now on the Election Commission’s next move.
