To improve poll performance, Mahayuti members likely to exchange Pune city seats among selves

This time around, the local BJP unit here has openly opposed campaigning if sitting NCP legislator Sunil Tingre is fielded by the Mahayuti in the assembly elections.

At present, five seats are represented by the BJP, two by the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and one by Congress. (File photo)

As top leaders of the ruling Mahayuti continue with their closed door meetings on seat-sharing for the upcoming assembly elections, speculation is rife that alliance partners will exchange 8 of the city’s seats with each other in an effort to improve their performance when compared to the recent Lok Sabha elections.

There are eight assembly seats in the city — Pune Cantonment, Shivajinagar, Vadgaonsheri, Parvati, Kasbapeth, Kothrud, Khadakwasla and Hadapsar. At present, five seats are represented by the BJP, two by the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and one by Congress.

Vadgaonsheri has a strong BJP presence but it had lost to the NCP in 2014 by a narrow margin. This time around, the local BJP unit here has openly opposed campaigning if sitting NCP legislator Sunil Tingre is fielded by the Mahayuti in the assembly elections. “Tingre recently faced allegations of his involvement in protecting the accused in a high profile hit and run case. Thus, the BJP has insisted NCP exchange the seat and in return take Khadakwasla assembly seat, which is part of the Baramati Lok Sabha seat where Sunetra Pawar had got considerable votes during the Lok Sabha elections,” said a BJP leader.

In Hadapsar assembly seat, NCP got less votes during the Lok Sabha elections. Shiv Sena has shown interested in contesting the seat, citing its strong support base that made it win the seat in 2009. “Going by the seat-sharing formula that those representing the seat will contest it again will not leave any seat for Shiv Sena as it does not have any sitting legislator. If the party base has to be retained then the Shiv Sena will have to contest the assembly elections in the city and Hadapsar is the strongest seat for the party,” said city Shiv Sena chief Nana Bhangire.

The NCP is likely to stake claim over Shivaijinagar seat citing its support base and strong local leadership.

Incidentally, the BJP had put up a poor performance in Shivajinagar assembly during the Lok Sabha elections.

“The NCP will not leave give up its stake to the Vadgaonsheri and Hadapsar seats as the party has sitting legislators, which means it has a strong base here. It is also true that the party has a strong base in other assembly seats and if given an opportunity, it is ready to contest,” said Pradeep Deshmukh, executive chief of Pune city NCP.

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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