Census effect: civic wards to go up in new poll map

Welcoming the decision,Pimpri-Chinchwad Mayor Yogesh Behl said if the ward strength goes up,it would be a solace to several aspirants from open category who otherwise are going to be hit hard due to 50 per cent women’s reservation.

“The election based on 2011 census would change the picture of the city. The election department will have to ascertain exact number of new electoral wards in the PMC and also decide the geographical boundaries of the electoral ward,” said PMC election officer Pravin Ashtikar.

Meanwhile,the State Election Commission has clarified that the boundaries for each electoral ward should be prepared in such a manner that there is continuity in the area instead of the area being scattered.

Earlier,the state decided to go for two-member panel system for the basis of poll where in each candidate will have to seek vote from two wards as against the present practise of one ward.

“The geography of the two wards in the panel should be same so that the candidates can approach the voters with convenience and the issues in the wards are common,” said Congress leader Ulhas Bagul.

MNS leader Ravindra Dhangekar said the party had no choice but to raise bigger issues in the PMC instead of concentrating on smaller issues in each electoral ward. “Now,the party probable will raise the issues once the geographical boundaries of electoral ward are declared,” he added.

Leaders of all political parties have welcomed the Commission decision to increase the poll expenses of each candidate to Rs 4 lakh from Rs 1 lakh.