Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) budget for the financial year 2025-26 has become a subject of political debate due to alleged interference and favoritism.

As anticipation builds, residents and stakeholders are keen to see what new projects and initiatives Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale will propose. The budget is set to be presented before the Standing Committee on March 4.

Political Interference Allegations Cast a Shadow Over Budget Process

Since PMC is currently under administrative rule, the Commissioner’s budget will be final, with no modifications. However, a controversy erupted after opposition parties objected to Dr. Bhosale holding a pre-budget meeting at the state legislature (Vidhan Bhavan), questioning whether external political forces were influencing the budget-making process.

Further fueling the controversy, BJP leader and state minister Chandrakant Patil assured former BJP corporators that necessary funds for their constituencies would be allocated, leading to allegations that the Commissioner is preparing a BJP-favored budget.

Key Questions Surrounding the Budget

The upcoming budget will be closely scrutinized to determine:

• Which developmental sectors will receive priority funding?

• What new infrastructure projects will be introduced?

• Will political influences shape the budget allocations?

Final Budget to Be Presented on March 4

Dr. Bhosale will officially present the 2025-26 municipal budget before the Standing Committee at 11:30 AM on March 4, after which the General Body is expected to approve it without alterations. The Commissioner has formally communicated this schedule to the Municipal Secretary’s Department.