Pimpri Chinchwad, 30th March 2026: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi sparked a controversy on Monday after stating that the civic body is “not known worldwide”.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Gandharva Manch music competition, Suryawanshi said, “While Gandharva Manch is recognised globally, PCMC is not known worldwide.” The remark drew immediate objections from several residents, journalists and activists, who questioned the statement and expressed displeasure.
The press meet was held to announce the competition, scheduled from April 2 to June 7 at the Santpeeth premises in Pimpri Chinchwad. The event is being organised jointly by Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Santpeeth and the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal.
The competition is being held to mark the 750th birth anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, the 375th ‘Vaikunthgaman’ anniversary of Sant Tukaram Maharaj, and the 125th foundation year of the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal.
Activists criticised the commissioner’s remark, saying Pimpri Chinchwad is one of the leading industrial and educational hubs and such statements portray the city in a negative light. They also said it was the same municipal corporation which was once regarded as the Asia’s wealthiest civic body.
The post Pune: ‘PCMC not Known Worldwide’: Commissioner’s Remark Sparks Row appeared first on Punekar News.
