PMC polls: With over 2,000 aspirants, city BJP faces a ‘problem of plenty’

In the Assembly elections held last year, the BJP won all the six Assembly seats it contested. It also won the Pune Lok Sabha seat last year.

Pune civic body, BJP, corporator seats, municipal corporation, PMC elections, 165 corporators,

There are 98 former corporators from the previous general body who too have staked claim for party candidature. (File photo)

Confident of continuing its dominance in city politics and once again holding power in the Pune civic body, the city BJP is facing a ‘problem of plenty’ as far as aspirants are concerned for the 165 corporator seats in the municipal corporation and is cautious in its strategy to avoid rebellion in the party.

The city BJP had sought applications from aspirants for the PMC elections for which voting is on January 15 and results will be declared on January 16. The BJP for the first time had gained power in PMC in 2017 elections by winning 98 seats. However, civic polls have not taken place thereafter in the city.

In the Assembly elections held last year, the BJP won all the six Assembly seats it contested. It also won the Pune Lok Sabha seat last year.

The BJP is upbeat and has received over 2,000 applications from aspirants, from within the party and even from other political parties of the Mahayuti as well as Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). “The interviews of aspirants have been done. The probable list of candidates has been sent to the state unit which will discuss and finalise it,” a BJP leader said.

There are 98 former corporators from the previous general body who too have staked claim for party candidature, he said, adding, “There are many strong aspirants of other political parties who have conveyed their intention to contest the polls on BJP ticket.”

There are aspirants from the alliance partners of BJP as well as from rival parties including Congress and NCP (SP).

The BJP leader said the party is cautious and is likely to declare its candidates on the last day of filing of nominations on December 30 to avoid any rebellion that would affect its prospects. The PMC will elect 165 corporators for the next five-year term from 41 electoral wards, four each from 40 wards and five from one ward.

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Union minister Murlidhar Mohol said the BJP is contesting the Pune civic polls in alliance with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. “We have initiated discussions but seat-sharing has to be finalised,” he said.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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