No More Unauthorized Flexes in Kasba Peth, But Will the Ban Apply to All?

Report by The Newsage Pune.

Kasba Peth Aims to Follow Indore's Footsteps in Swachh Bharat Ranking to Eradicate Unauthorized Flexes

In a bid to maintain cleanliness and order, Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasane has announced a strict ban on unauthorized flex banners in public spaces. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized that this move is part of the "Clean, Beautiful and Developed Kasba Peth" initiative. Inspired by Indore's success in the Swachh Bharat rankings, Rasane aims to implement similar measures in Kasba Peth, ensuring a 'flex-free' city approach.

BJP MLA of Kasba Peth- Rasane, decided to ban the display of unauthorized flex banners in order to improve cleanliness, ease traffic congestion and beautify the area. Some areas have already been emptied off of such banners and others are soon to face the same fate. Residents wonder if this regulation will apply to all- especially the politically biased ones.

He stated that eliminating unauthorized banners would improve cleanliness, public health and traffic conditions while also enhancing the area's beauty. As part of the initiative, 26 chronic waste disposal spots in the constituency have already been cleaned. On February 26, in honor of Sant Gadage Maharaj's birth anniversary, a "Swachhta Narayana Mahapuja" will be held at these locations, involving public participation. The campaign will be inaugurated near New English School, Ramanbaug with prominent figures in attendance. However, Rasane's decision has raised questions about selective enforcement.

Being a BJP MLA, will he also prohibit huge flex banners put up when PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah visit Pune? Political observers believe MLAs rarely oppose such displays, as they seek to impress top party leaders. Additionally, residents are questioning whether influential figures like businessman Punit Balan, who sponsors major Ganpati festival events, will also be prohibited from putting up flex banners. Critics argue that such bans often target small-time party workers and local activists, while big politicians and businessmen remain untouched. Many Pune residents remain skeptical about the uniform implementation of this rule.