Pune: Celebratory posters in Pune’s Kothrud area supporting India’s recent cross-border military operation, named Operation Sindoor, have sparked a civic debate. Initiated by the BJP Yuva Morcha to honor the armed forces, the move has faced backlash from residents over the defacement of public spaces.
Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps along the Pakistan and PoJK borders, gained widespread attention across the nation. In Kothrud, BJP workers celebrated the operation by bursting crackers and chanting patriotic slogans, with posters promoting the strike prominently displayed throughout the area. The posters featured Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol and State Minister Chandrakant Patil, both representing the region.
According to reports, the posters were put up by BJP Yuva Morcha leader Dushyant Mohol. However, the initiative did not sit well with all residents. Local resident Sachin Shaha expressed his dissatisfaction on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), criticizing the placement of such posters and their impact on the city’s appearance. “What’s the need for these boards? We all respect the army, but let’s not compromise the aesthetics of the city with billboards. We can use FM, print, or digital media instead,” Shaha wrote, tagging PMC officials, BJP Pune, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar.
Shaha further emphasized the recent civic efforts to clean up Kothrud by removing unauthorized hoardings. “After months of work by the PMC and political cooperation, Kothrud roads finally looked clean. Please don’t undo that progress,” he added.
This controversy highlights an ongoing issue in Pune concerning illegal political posters. Despite repeated calls by BJP leaders, including Chandrakant Patil, Hemant Rasane, and Murlidhar Mohol, to maintain decorum and avoid defacing public spaces, the practice of posting unauthorized banners continues to be a persistent problem in the city.
