Pune: Voters Registered After July 1 May Lose Voting Rights in PMC Polls, Warns WACO
Pune: Voters Registered After July 1 May Lose Voting Rights in PMC Polls, Warns WACO
Pune | August 1, 2025: WACO (Wagholi Against Corruption Organization), a body representing residents of Wagholi and newly merged areas of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), has written to the Election Commission of India demanding immediate corrective action against what it terms a potential violation of voting rights in the upcoming Local Body Elections.
The concern stems from reports suggesting that the electoral roll prepared only up to July 1, 2025, for the Maharashtra State Assembly Elections may be reused for the forthcoming civic polls. If implemented, this move could exclude thousands of newly registered voters who signed up after the July 1 deadline.
WACO President Anil Kumar Mishra stated in his letter that using an outdated voter list would breach Article 326 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees adult citizens the right to vote. He also pointed to the Representation of the People Acts (1950 and 1951), which mandate updated and accurate electoral rolls before every election.
Highlighting that the final ward structure and reservation details for PMC elections are still pending, WACO questioned the rationale behind setting July 1 as the cut-off date. The organization warned that any exclusion of valid voters would not only be unconstitutional but also further marginalize areas like Wagholi, which have long been denied basic civic amenities.
The association has demanded that a supplementary electoral roll be prepared to include all eligible voters registered after July 1. WACO has also indicated its willingness to approach the Bombay High Court if the matter is not resolved promptly.
The Election Commission’s response is now awaited.
