Villagers of Uruli Devachi and Phursungi, the twin villages where the garbage depot is located, had sent the signal last Lok Sabha elections that whoever wins will have to address the depot issue. They had even threatened to boycott the elections. However, they have shifted stance in the Assembly election. While the candidates are assuring the removal of the depot, the villagers are seen campaigning for them.

The villages, that were part of Baramati constituency during the Lok Sabha election, now come in Purandar constituency.

With nine candidates in fray, Purandar would witness a tough tussle. Vijay Shivtare (Shiv Sena), Digambar Durgade (NCP), Dada Jadhavrao (Janata Dal), Sanjay Jagtap (Independent), Krishna Lohokare (MNS) and four others are locking horns against one another.

Independent Sanjay Jagtap said, "Talking about the issue, Independent Sanjay Jagtap said, "For about six lakh people living in the vicinity of the garbage depot, like Uruli Devachi, Phursungi, Mantarwadi, the problem has become unbearable and they have been putting up with it for years. If I win, the first thing I will do is to stop the dumping here and find an alternative space." Jagtap other priorities are to address shortage of potable water and bad roads.

A villager from Uruli Devachi said, "Since the issue of garbage depot has become sensitive, especially over the last few months, none of the candidates can avoid this topic in their speeches. In fact, nearly all the candidates have promised to remove the depot once if they win. But, even their predecessors made the same promise."

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