'Only Punekars Left': Empty Pune Roads During Diwali Revive Annual 'Locals Vs Outsiders' Debate | WATCH

During the Diwali festivities, Pune once again became the focal point of an ongoing debate surrounding the annual migration of Punekars from the city. As thousands of people departed for their hometowns, videos circulated on social media showcasing the reduced traffic and emptier roads. These visuals sparked a fresh wave of discussion online, with some users championing the change while others questioned whether Pune truly becomes a more pleasant place when its residents who have relocated for work and education return home.

The Pune-Ahilyanagar Highway saw traffic jams stretching up to 10 to 12 kilometers for three consecutive days as commuters made their way out of the city to celebrate Diwali. One Instagram user shared a reel that declared "Finally, Pune can breathe," accompanied by the Marathi phrase "Rahile fakt Punekar," which translates to "Only Punekars are left." This post garnered approximately 20,000 likes by Saturday evening.

Another user posted a video of a road beneath a Metro viaduct that appeared relatively deserted. The video included a critique of individuals who migrate to Pune for employment opportunities but abandon the city during festive occasions. While some residents find solace in the quieter roads and decreased traffic during Diwali, others have raised concerns about the blame directed at migrants for the city's infrastructure challenges.