“This election seems disturbing”: Why are Pune's top artists upset at the polls?

3 minutes of readingPuneJanuary 15, 2026 21:48 IST

They went to the polls with their concerns about the city of Pune and the hopes that fuel their art. Artists, painters and artists of different colors made their voices heard while the Civic polls were held on Thursday..

“I have voted as a responsible Indian citizen. I do it every time. This election feels very unsettling and different. None of the parties seem to have a clear ideology. A candidate who was fighting against a party yesterday is now contesting for its ticket today. Money is distributed openly. False promises are made to attract people despite their economic status. While the real problems of life (unemployment, environment, water, pollution, roads, education and healthcare) are ignored, people are distracted by caste, language and “It feels very confusing,” said actor-director Atul Pethe.

He added that he votes to keep democracy intact. “My strong desire is for democracy to 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 teacher Guru Nandkishore Kapote were among those who cast their votes. Eminent playwright Satish Alekar voted at Kamyani Sabhagruha school near Patrakarnagar. “Things are very difficult now, considering the scenario of ideological concern of the people. Apart from uninterrupted supply of water and electricity and clean roads, there is hardly any kind of issue that people are discussing, so it is very sad for me,” he says.

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

Singer Manjushree Oak voted early at Dhondumama Sathe Homeopathic Medicine College in Erandwane. He said the booth was empty at that time and he expected more voters to show up to fulfill their duty to vote. “We talk about rights. These elections are very important and more people should go out and vote,” he said.

When veteran artist Vaishali Oak went to vote, she found the process to be very simple, but she noticed that most of the crowd seemed serious. Clearly, concerns about the city’s civic conditions weighed on all minds. It was also on his mind, from the deterioration of cleanliness in public places to the lack of civic sense of the people. “We elect our elected representatives with the hope that they can make a difference,” he said.

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 experience: Before joining The Indian Express, he worked with other top news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. Primary specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theater and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her “Pune Inc” series). Narrative Approach: His work often uncovers “hidden stories” of Pune, focusing on historical institutes, local traditions and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Their recent reports highlight the cultural pulse of Pune and the environmental challenges faced by the city during the winter season: 1. Climate and Environment “Pune shivers on the coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature drops to 6.9°C” (December 20, 2025): Report on record cold wave in Pune and IMD forecast for the week. “How a heritage tree mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights growing interest in Pune’s green heritage” (December 20, 2025): Covers a citizen-led initiative where Generation Z and millennials came together to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. “Right to Breathe: Landmark NGT orders direct PMC to set standards for pollution from construction sites” (December 8, 2025): Report on a major legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. “Hidden Stories” and Heritage “Library within Pune that has nurtured the minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years” (December 21, 2025) – A Venture Center library feature detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product lifecycle. “Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift” (December 18, 2025) – A tribute to legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. “The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once the chief guest” (December 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historic role in India’s freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theater and ‘Pune Inc’ ‘Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker’ (December 17, 2025) – An in-depth interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) that explores the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. “Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses” (December 16, 2025) – Part of her “Pune Inc” series, which profiles Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower women-led startups. “How Women Drone Pilots in Rural Maharashtra Are Cultivating a Green Habit” (December 12, 2025): Exploring how women in agriculture are using technology to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for her intellectual curiosity and narrative approach. Whether he’s writing about a 110-year-old restaurant or the complexities of the climate crisis, he focuses on the human element and historical context. His columns are often a mix 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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