Society Members Fall Prey to Political Conspiracy; Call for Vigilance During Elections

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Pune : As the upcoming legislative assembly elections approach, several political aspirants are claiming to be the solution to society members’ issues. In an alarming development, traps are being set for these members, where they are told, “Media representatives are coming to learn about your problems. Present your issues and attempt to resolve them. Speak in front of the media.” These video bites, once recorded, are being manipulated and circulated on social media for political purposes. Consequently, society members are becoming unwitting victims of these strategies. Sanjeevan Sangle, President of the Chikhli-Moshi-Charholi Pimpri-Chinchwad Society Federation, has urged society members to remain vigilant and not fall into these political traps.

With an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 housing societies in the Pimpri-Chinchwad region, society members form a key voting block during elections. As a result, political candidates are resorting to various tactics to win their support. Sangle noted that all society federations in the city are constantly striving to resolve the issues faced by society members, and these members are standing united. However, the election season has prompted political forces to exploit society-related problems for their benefit. Sangle’s statement highlights the increasing attempts by political groups to turn society grievances into political capital.

Reflecting on the past, Sangle pointed out that in 1997, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation incorporated neighboring villages. As a result, new housing projects began in the expectation that the corporation would develop necessary infrastructure in these areas. However, the administration largely overlooked the housing projects, leading to a lack of essential services. Over the last 10 to 15 years, the number of housing projects and residents has surged, but problems such as inadequate water supply, parking issues, waste management, unreliable electricity, and lack of amenities like roads and gardens persist. Sangle stressed that local society federations have been tirelessly working to resolve these issues, although they face numerous challenges.

Despite these hurdles, several federation leaders have successfully achieved significant victories. They managed to stop the Punaavle garbage depot from being constructed, halted the imposition of unjust user fees on society members, and canceled the proposed garbage transfer center in Charholi. Moreover, they have been instrumental in the development of roads and gardens in societies and the implementation of a waste processing project at the Moshi garbage depot. Sangle also highlighted the delivery of 100 MLD of water from the first phase of the Andra and Bhama Askhed project to the city as a major success. These efforts have helped society members stand up against the arbitrary actions of both builders and the administration, and they will continue to support leaders who have consistently taken action on their behalf.

Politics Poisoning the Atmosphere in Societies
Sangle warned that the political ambitions of some leaders, influenced by builders, are threatening to corrupt the environment within housing societies. Specific individuals are entering society WhatsApp groups, encouraging members to present their problems under the guise of resolving them through media coverage. These interactions are then filmed, and the videos are manipulated and spread on social media for political gain. Such tactics have led to false, negative messages being circulated, inflaming tensions and creating division within the societies. As a result, society members, office-bearers, and the surrounding areas are facing unjust defamation.

Sangle called on society members to resist giving politically motivated video bites and to restrict negative political content within their WhatsApp groups. By preventing these disputes, society members can maintain their solidarity. He emphasized that neither the society federation nor its members represent any political party. Rather, they support leaders who consistently take initiative in addressing the real problems society members face in their areas. The federation stands firmly with such leaders, he added.