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“This election feels disturbing”: Why are Pune’s top artists upset at the polling booths?

From the artist’s point of view, actor and director Atul Pethe feels that the PMC should re-erect the statue of Ram Ganesh Gadkari which was destroyed in 2017.

3 min readPuneJan 15, 2026 09:48 PM IST

Performers, painters and artists of different hues made their voices heard as the civic polls were held on Thursday (File Photo)

They came to the polling booths, carrying their concerns about the Pune city and the hopes that fuel their art. Performers, painters and artists of different hues made their voices heard as the civic polls were held on Thursday.

“I have voted as a responsible Indian citizen. I do so every time. This election feels very disturbing and different. None of the parties seem to have a clear ideology. A candidate who was fighting against a party yesterday is now contesting on their ticket today. Money is being openly distributed. False promises are being made to lure people despite their economic situation. While the real issues of life—unemployment, environment, water, pollution, roads, education, and healthcare—are being ignored, people are being distracted by caste, language, and religion. It feels very confusing,” said actor and director Atul Pethe.

He added that he votes to keep democracy intact. “My strong desire is that democracy should prevail and not be replaced by authoritarianism. I want a free social space for debates, discussions, and dialogue,” he said.

Actor Parna Pethe and Kathak dance maestro Guru Nandkishore Kapote were among those who cast their votes. Eminent playwright Satish Alekar voted at Kamyani School Sabhagruha near Patrakarnagar. “Things are very difficult now, seeing the scenario about people’s ideology concern. Apart from having uninterrupted supply water and uninterrupted power supply and clean roads, there is hardly any kind of a issue people were discussing so it’s very sad for me,” he says.

Also Read | In PMC comic book, Gandhi encourages youngsters to vote in local body polls

From the artist’s point of view, he feels that the PMC should re-erect the statue of Ram Ganesh Gadkari which was destroyed in 2017.

Singer Manjushree Oak voted early at the Dhondumama Sathe Homoeopathic Medical College in Erandwane. She said the booth was empty at that hour and hoped that more voters would turn up to fulfill their duty to vote. “We talk about rights. These elections are very important and more people should come out to cast their ballot,” she said.

When veteran artist Vaishali Oak went to vote, she found that the process was very smooth but she noticed that most of the crowd looked serious. Clearly, the concerns about the city’s civic conditions weighed on every mind. It was on her mind as well, from the deteriorating cleanliness in public places to the lack of civic sense in people. “We choose our elected representatives in the hope that they can make a difference,” she said.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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