In a significant strategic shift for the upcoming civic elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Pune has decided to field a young brigade comprising descendants of prominent party loyalists for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) polls. Marking a generational change, the party has chosen to replace several faces from the previous general body with fresh candidates from established political families.
A New Generation Steps Forward
The BJP's new lineup features prominent political scions. Kunal Tilak, the son of former mayor and MLA Mukta Tilak and a descendant of Lokmanya Tilak's family, has been given a ticket. Swarada Bapat, the daughter-in-law of the late BJP MP Girish Bapat, is another key candidate. The party has also fielded Nivedita Ekbote, who is the daughter of former BJP corporator Jyotsana Ekbote.
This move signals the party's intent to leverage the legacy and local connect of these families while introducing new faces to the electorate. The decision underscores a calculated blend of continuity and change within the party's ranks in Pune.
Unconventional Strategy: No Official List
In an unconventional departure from standard practice, the Pune BJP unit decided against releasing an official list of candidates for the PMC elections. Instead, the party individually contacted the selected candidates, providing them with the official party letter and instructing them to file their nominations independently.
This approach has added an element of surprise and speculation to the election process, keeping political opponents and analysts guessing about the final slate of BJP contenders until nominations are formally filed.
Wider Composition of the Young Brigade
The BJP's young brigade extends beyond political dynasties to include other new entrants and former corporators. Raghvendra Mankar, son of NCP leader Deepak Mankar, and Raju Khade, son of former BJP corporator Datta Khade, have also secured tickets. Reshma Bhosale, wife of former NCP legislator Anil Bhosale, is another notable inclusion.
The party has also fielded recent joiners from other parties, such as Sachin Dodke, Sayali Wanjale, Rohini Chimte, and Bharatbhushan Barate, who recently switched from the NCP(SP) and NCP. This indicates a strategy to absorb local leaders and consolidate its base ahead of the polls.
Among experienced hands, former corporators like Ganesh Bidkar, Yogesh Mulick, Rajendra Shilimkar, Rani Bhosale, and Sunny Nimhan have been renominated to contest the elections.
However, the ticket distribution has also led to some exits. Former BJP corporators Dhananjay Jadhav, Shankar Pawar, and Mukari Algude joined the NCP after being denied BJP tickets, highlighting the intense competition and high stakes involved in the PMC elections.
The stage is now set for a keenly watched contest in Pune, where the BJP's bet on a mix of legacy, youth, and defectors will be tested by the city's voters.
