New Political Era Dawns in Pune
The political landscape of Pune is witnessing a significant transformation as the next generation from established political families prepares to enter the fray for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections. The Supreme Court has directed the state government to complete all pending civic body elections by January-end next year, setting the stage for intense political activity across the city.
Political Dynasties Field Their Heirs
Several prominent political families are strategically positioning their younger members to carry forward their legacy. Sitting NCP (SP) legislator Bapu Pathare is launching his son Surendra from the Nagar Road area electoral panel, while NCP legislator Chetan Tupe is likely to field his son in the Hadapsar-Satavwadi panel.
In a notable development, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More, who previously served as city MNS chief, has declared his candidacy from Balajinagar-Ambegaon-Katraj electoral panel. Simultaneously, his son Rupesh will contest from Kondhwa Budhruk-Yeolewadi electoral panel in the open category.
Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Dhangekar, a former legislator with past affiliations to Congress and MNS, is likely to field either his wife or son from Kasba Ganpati-KEM hospital electoral panel to maintain his longstanding influence in the area he previously represented.
Cross-Party Legacy Continuation
The trend extends across party lines with former Congress corporator Ulhas Bagul, who quit Congress ahead of Assembly elections to contest as an Independent, considering either contesting himself or fielding his son Hemant from Sahakarnagar-Padmavati electoral panel.
The BJP is also embracing this pattern with the son of state minister Madhuri Misal likely to contest from Shankarmaharaj Math-Bibewadi electoral panel. Additionally, Kunal Tilak, son of former city mayor and legislator Mukta Tilak, has expressed keen interest in contesting from Shaniwar Peth-Mahatma Phule Mandai.
In another significant development, Swarda Bapat—daughter-in-law of former MP Girish Bapat—is poised to carry forward the family's political legacy by contesting the PMC elections. Both Tilak and Bapat had previously expressed willingness to contest assembly elections from Kasba Peth constituency, but the party ultimately elevated former corporator Hemant Rasane to state politics.
Young BJP leader Nivedita Ekbote, daughter of former corporator Jyotsana Ekbote, is also likely to contest from Shivajinagar-Model Colony electoral ward, continuing the family's political engagement.
Election Framework and Reservation Details
The PMC administration has completed the delimitation process, establishing 41 electoral panels from which 165 corporators will be elected for the next five-year term. The previous PMC elections were held in 2017, with the five-year term of the elected body ending in 2022. Since then, the civic body has been governed by an administrator.
The recent draw for reservation of seats has created new political dynamics with 44 seats reserved for OBCs, 22 seats for SCs, and 2 seats for ST category. Importantly, 50% of seats will be contested exclusively by women candidates. This reservation pattern has forced established politicians and former corporators to reconsider their strategies while creating opportunities for new aspirants in their areas of influence.
The completion of the delimitation process and reservation draws has finally paved the way for political aspirants to formally plan their election strategies, marking the beginning of what promises to be a fiercely contested civic election that will shape Pune's urban governance for the next five years.
