Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Elections Marked by EVM Issues and Voting Allegations

The 2026 municipal elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad saw multiple reports of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunctions, including shutdowns, time lags, and incorrect candidate sequences, which officials addressed by promptly replacing machines. Allegations of bogus voting, missing voter names, and ink removal using chemicals were raised by various political parties, alongside claims of cash distribution and voter intimidation. While some incidents led to protests and minor clashes, election authorities and police intervened to maintain order and investigate complaints. Voter turnout was around 54.5%, with polling conducted amid heightened scrutiny and calls for transparency.