Ex-Deputy Mayor Ulhas Bagul Joins Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena Ahead of PMC Election

Former deputy mayor Ulhas Bagul has joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, strengthening the party’s position ahead of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation election.

Pune, December 20, 2025 – Former Pimpri-Chinchwad deputy mayor Ulhas Bagul has formally joined the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, adding momentum to the party’s preparations ahead of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation election. The political development is being seen as a significant boost for the Shinde camp, particularly in a region where local leadership and ward-level influence play a decisive role in civic polls.

Bagul, a well-known face in local politics, announced his decision in the presence of senior leaders from the Shinde faction. Speaking on the occasion, he said his move was guided by a desire to contribute more effectively to civic governance and development. He emphasised that urban issues such as infrastructure upgrades, sanitation, water supply, traffic management and public services require strong coordination between the municipal administration and the state leadership.

Political observers believe Bagul’s entry could strengthen the Shiv Sena faction’s organisational structure in Pimpri-Chinchwad. His experience in municipal administration and familiarity with civic functioning are expected to help the party sharpen its campaign narrative and connect more effectively with voters across multiple wards. The civic body election is expected to be closely contested, with all major political players attempting to consolidate support.

Leaders from the Shinde faction welcomed Bagul, describing his decision as a reflection of confidence in the current leadership. They said his understanding of local governance would be valuable in addressing civic challenges faced by residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad, one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing urban areas. Party workers present at the event expressed optimism that the inclusion of experienced leaders would strengthen grassroots mobilisation.

Opposition parties reacted cautiously, noting that political realignments are common ahead of elections. Some rival leaders said voters are increasingly focused on performance and accountability rather than party switches. They stressed that civic elections are ultimately decided by how effectively candidates address day-to-day issues affecting residents.

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation election is considered politically significant due to the region’s rapid urbanisation, industrial growth and expanding population. Issues such as road quality, drainage, healthcare facilities and housing are expected to dominate the campaign discourse. Political analysts say leadership experience at the municipal level can influence voter confidence, particularly in tightly contested wards.

Local reactions to Bagul’s move have been mixed. While some residents welcomed the development, citing the need for experienced leadership in civic governance, others expressed scepticism about frequent political switches. Many voters said their expectations remain focused on tangible improvements in civic services rather than party affiliations.

As the election season gains momentum, political parties are expected to intensify outreach efforts, finalise candidate lists and highlight governance agendas. Bagul’s decision to join the Shinde faction may influence alliance strategies and voter calculations in several wards, but its full impact will become clear only as campaigning progresses.

For now, the Shiv Sena faction appears focused on consolidating its position in Pimpri-Chinchwad by strengthening leadership and expanding its support base. With experienced leaders joining the fold and civic issues taking centre stage, the upcoming municipal election is shaping up to be a closely watched political contest.

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