Pune, 8th January 2025: With the Pune civic elections approaching, political activity has intensified in the Baner–Balewadi area, with candidates visiting housing societies and conducting door-to-door campaigns.
Amid this, residents of Sai Silicon Valley Society in Balewadi have taken a firm stand by putting up a banner at the society entrance that reads: “Our vote is for the one who removes the wine shop.”
The banner has drawn widespread attention in the area and sparked discussion among locals and political workers alike. Residents say the move is aimed at highlighting a long-standing problem that has remained unresolved despite repeated complaints and protests.
According to the residents, the wine shop located near the society gate attracts a crowd throughout the day. Customers often park their vehicles haphazardly on the road, creating obstacles for residents entering or exiting the society.
When security guards object, they are frequently threatened and, in some cases, even assaulted. Residents also say that after evening hours, women find it difficult to step outside due to the atmosphere around the shop.
The issue is of greater concern as several educational institutions, including colleges and schools, are located opposite the society. Residents fear that students regularly witnessing public drinking and disorderly behaviour could have a negative impact.
Locals further allege that some customers consume alcohol in nearby open spaces after purchase, littering the area with empty bottles and glasses and leaving behind unhygienic conditions. Illegal parking has also led to frequent traffic jams and increased risk of accidents.
Residents say they have been demanding the relocation of the wine shop for several years and have even staged protests in the past. Although the shop was shut for a few days after one such agitation, it resumed operations soon after.
A formal complaint seeking relocation was submitted to the excise department five months ago, but no response has been received so far.
“We take action against people who consume alcohol on the roadside, and regular patrolling has been started in the area by deploying marshals. A letter regarding the relocation of the wine shop was submitted to the excise department five months ago, but no response has been received yet.”
Chandrashekhar Sawant, Police Inspector, Baner Police Station
“We have been facing this problem for several years, but no one has taken it seriously. Elections come and go, and we only receive assurances. This time, we have decided to vote only for the candidate who ensures that the wine shop is removed.”
Resident of Sai Silicon Valley Society
