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Congress in Pune continues to fight over change of guard ahead of PMC elections

Acting city Congress chief Arvind Shinde dismissed reports of a meeting regarding the appointment of the Pune unit chief.

The Congress ruled the PMC for a long time, but its downfall began in 2009 when the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) seized power from it. (Express Photo)

Factionalism within the Pune city unit of the Congress has become a focal point in the ongoing demand for a change in leadership. Meanwhile, Arvind Shinde, the acting city Congress chief, Tuesday said the matter is closed for now, dismissing the concerns of a few internal opponents who are allegedly trying to stir up controversy.

“The issue of the appointment of a new city Congress chief was over a few months ago. We are preparing for the elections of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and the state unit has called a meeting to discuss it,” said Shinde.

He said there are a few in the party spreading incorrect information about the state Congress meeting to take a call on the city unit chief on Wednesday. Shinde said the city Congress has begun preparations for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections.

“We have a city area divided into 12 blocks, with each block handling a population of three to four lakh. Now, we will suggest that there should be one block for every one lakh population so that the office-bearers of the block will be able to concentrate on strengthening the party base in the block jurisdiction,” he said.

Meanwhile, a city Congress leader said the state unit’s appointed observer for Pune has submitted its report for appointing a new city unit chief. “The demand for changing the city Congress chief stands citing the possible repercussions in PMC polls if there is no change in the party chief for Pune,” he said, adding there are a few aspirants, so the state Congress should take a decision.

Senior Congress leader Mohan Joshi said the state unit will discuss the civic polls Wednesday. “The opinion of local leadership on preparation, possible alliance, and seats to contest in PMC elections will be collected,” he said.

The Congress ruled the PMC for a long time, but its downfall began in 2009 when the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) seized power from it. The Congress had to ally with the then-united NCP to remain in power, but in 2019, it had to sit in Opposition as its strength had drastically reduced in the civic general body. Many of the former party leaders and corporators shifted their allegiance to join the BJP, which came to power in 2019.

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The PMC elections have been delayed, and the civic body has been under administrator’s rule since 2024. The Supreme Court recently directed the state government to conduct civic elections within four months.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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