Local citizens have staged protests against a stay imposed by the Chief Minister's Office on the Lokmanya Nagar redevelopment project in central Pune.

Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray met residents and criticised the Mahayuti government. He stated: "I stand firmly with the residents of Lokmanya Nagar." He noted that immediately after the local MLA recommended the project, the Chief Minister's Office imposed a stay.

Thackeray said he would stand before bulldozers if the government attempted to forcibly demolish homes. He called for an immediate government solution.

Raising concerns about a potential "small Adani" in Pune, he stated the approximately sixteen and a half acre plot of valuable land in Lokmanya Nagar should not be handed over to anyone. He vowed to thwart any attempt to usurp residents' rights through street protests and people's strength.

The proposed redevelopment project in Pune's Lokmanya Nagar has sparked outrage among residents, who allege political interference and administrative decisions are delaying the project and compromising local interests.

Resident Dr Ravindra Dattatrey Randive (resident since 2002) stated the delay stems from political involvement. Originally, flats were to be developed building-wise by resident-chosen builders. The government later decided entire construction would proceed simultaneously. Current buildings are limited to three floors; residents hoped new construction would be restricted to maximum 12 floors, but administration has allowed builders to construct buildings over 18 storeys.

Resident Sagar Avchite noted there are 52 buildings in the area, with most owners not wanting new construction. New construction will change PMC tax charges, maintenance charges, and norms; residents will face emergency access problems.

Another resident (anonymity-based) highlighted that current area rate is ₹16,000 per square foot. The local MLA shows strong interest in the project. The area's main city location is attracting builders and political lobbying.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticised the government on X, alleging Maharashtra has become a "builder-contractor government." He questioned why the Chief Minister's Office halted redevelopment following a letter from the local MLA, suggesting an attempt to hand the land to a builder close to the ruling party under "cluster" development. Thackeray contrasted this with simultaneous Pune road digging for optic fibres, questioning whether contractors receive discounts versus municipal charges.