Pune, 28th July 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing fresh allegations of political interference in its tendering process, with claims that corporators are attempting to secure civic contracts for preferred contractors by delaying the opening of financial bids and pressuring rival bidders to withdraw.
According to administrative sources, the alleged interference extends beyond the traditional 'C List' development works proposed by corporators. Elected representatives are now reportedly seeking influence over maintenance and repair projects that are funded and planned directly by the civic administration, particularly works worth up to ₹10 lakh executed through regional offices.
PMC has allocated funds in its 2026–27 budget for maintenance of roads, stormwater drains, sewer lines, water supply infrastructure, buildings and gardens. While corporators traditionally exercise control over projects sanctioned under the 'C List', officials claim there is increasing pressure to influence administrative works as well.
Sources allege that after technical bids are opened, financial bids are intentionally kept pending to give preferred contractors an advantage. Rival contractors are reportedly being asked to withdraw their bids before the financial envelopes are opened, delaying the tender process.
Officials further claim that some corporators have allegedly exerted pressure on regional officers, engineers and deputy commissioners to ensure contracts are awarded to contractors of their choice or those with whom they are believed to have close associations.
The controversy has particularly surfaced in the Sinhagad Road Regional Office, where 14 tenders worth nearly ₹1.75 crore were floated for sewer repairs, stormwater drainage works, road repairs and other civic maintenance projects.
According to sources, while the technical bids have already been opened, the financial bids, which are usually opened soon afterwards, have remained pending for the past nine days. It is alleged that some contractors have been pressured to withdraw their bids before the next stage of the process.
Sources also claim that a local strongman from the Dandekar Bridge area has been used to exert pressure on contractors, although these allegations remain unverified.
The allegations also extend to certain civic works that are reportedly being executed without fresh tenders. These include projects such as wall painting, gymnasium upgrades, recreation centres and open gyms.
According to sources, contractors for these works were allegedly decided in advance, with attempts being made to ensure they secure the contracts through coordinated bidding, raising concerns over transparency in the procurement process.
Responding to the allegations, Assistant Commissioner Pragya Pawar denied that any external pressure had influenced the tender process.
She said the financial bids for the Sinhgad Road Regional Office tenders would be opened on the same day, adding that the delay occurred because PMC staff were occupied with electoral roll-related duties. She maintained that no political or external pressure had been exerted regarding the tenders.
