Pune district has witnessed a significant surge in its voter base ahead of the upcoming 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, with over 11 lakh new voters compared to the 2019 elections. The total number of voters in the district, including Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Pune rural, has reached 88,49,590 — up from 77,29,217 in the last election, marking an increase of 11,20,373 voters over the past five years.
The Pune district election branch attributes this rise primarily to an influx of citizens migrating to Pune from across the state and country for education, employment, and business opportunities. Pune’s rapid urbanization, driven by ambitious infrastructure projects and economic growth, has contributed to the growing population and, consequently, the expanding voter list.
Professor Damodar Padhye, an urbanization expert, explained that Pune’s development as a major metropolis, second only to Mumbai in Maharashtra, is a key factor. He pointed to major projects like the two Ring Roads, the proposed international airport at Purandar, and the metro system, all of which are boosting the city’s appeal. Furthermore, Pune’s water infrastructure, supported by five major rivers and 25 dams, ensures a reliable supply for both urban and rural areas, attracting further investment and people.
The increase in employment opportunities has drawn people from other parts of the state and country. Shripad Kshirsagar, a resident who moved from Solapur three years ago, said, “I shifted to Pune for a permanent job, and now my family members have updated their voter registration to Kasba constituency.”
With the rise in population and economic opportunities, Pune’s growing voter base reflects its ongoing transformation into a leading urban hub. As the assembly elections near, this demographic shift is likely to have a significant impact on the region’s political landscape.
