A new wave of candidates is set to redefine the political landscape of Pune. Frustrated with persistent civic problems and arm-chair criticism, a cohort of highly educated professionals from fields like engineering, technology, finance, and sustainability are stepping into the electoral arena for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) polls.
From Boardrooms to Ballots: The New Faces
These first-time contenders, largely backed by political parties or running as Independents, are bringing a fresh, professional outlook shaped by their corporate and entrepreneurial experiences. Their campaigns are centered on measurable outcomes, smart governance, and efficient service delivery—a stark contrast to traditional political rhetoric.
Among the youngest is Sahil Uttekar (25), a mechanical engineering graduate from the Army Institute of Technology and founder of an electric cycling start-up. Contesting as an Independent from Ward No. 3, his entry stems from frustration. "After living in the Cantonment area and travelling abroad, I realised how far behind we are. Footpaths are encroached, while cycling infrastructure and streets feel unsafe," Uttekar said, adding that he decided to solve these problems himself as the PMC often ignores complaints.
Entrepreneurial Mindset Meets Civic Responsibility
In Wadgaon Sheri, the Pathare couple—both BTech degree holders—have emerged as prominent figures. Aishwarya Pathare, daughter-in-law of Wadgaon Sheri MLA Bapu Pathare, is the founder of a multinational software company and has worked with Facebook and Nissan Motors in Japan. While her entry is linked to the family's political legacy, she brings a distinct approach. "What distinguishes my approach is my entrepreneurial mindset of building from the ground up, a solution-oriented approach, and a strong sense of professionalism, respecting timelines, accountability and commitments," she stated.
The trend of quitting corporate jobs for civic duty is evident. In Wanowrie-Salunkhe Vihar's Ward No. 18, Uttung Kale, a tech professional, left his job at a leading Hinjewadi software firm to campaign as an Independent. "I quit my job because complaining from the sidelines was not enough. Roads, drainage, water supply and public safety need focused attention," Kale emphasized.
Similarly, in Wagholi's Ward No. 4, Anil Kumar Mishra, an investment banker who moved to Pune from Uttar Pradesh in 2013, quit his corporate job in November last year to contest as an Independent. His campaign zeroes in on a single, persistent crisis: the lack of drinking water in the eastern parts of the city since 1997. "I have been voicing my opinions on the problem for a decade... I decided to contest with citizen backing to change the situation by 2027," Mishra explained.
Professional Expertise for Ward-Level Development
This movement isn't limited to Independents. In the Shivaji Nagar-Model Colony belt's Ward No. 12, BJP candidate Nivedita Ekbote, the principal of Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, is leveraging her management background. "I am contesting to bring development and apply my professional background to improve the ward. I see my management education as an asset, to help bring change through structured planning, technology, and efficient delivery of civic services," she highlighted.
The collective entry of these candidates signals a significant shift in urban politics. Tired of unaddressed grievances related to infrastructure, water supply, and public safety, these professionals are translating their critique into concrete political action. Their campaigns reflect a broader demand for accountability, data-driven decisions, and a project-management approach to civic issues in Pune. The upcoming PMC polls will be a test of whether this professional promise resonates with the city's voters.
