Pune Election 2026: Ravindra Dhangekar’s Wife and Son Enter Poll Battle, Face Sonali Andekar and Ganesh Bidkar

Ahead of Pune Municipal Election 2026, Ravindra Dhangekar’s wife and son step into active politics, contesting against Sonali Andekar and Ganesh Bidkar, intensifying the ward-level contest.

Pune – The political contest in Pune has taken a family-centric turn ahead of the Municipal Election 2026, with senior leader Ravindra Dhangekar’s wife and son entering the electoral fray. Their candidature has added fresh intensity to the election, as they are set to face prominent opponents Sonali Andekar and Ganesh Bidkar in what is shaping up to be a closely watched ward-level battle. The development was reported on January 3, 2026, and has quickly become a major talking point in Pune’s political circles.

According to available information, the decision for Ravindra Dhangekar’s family members to contest the election is being seen as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the family’s political influence and consolidating voter support in the concerned wards. Dhangekar, a well-known political figure in Pune, has a strong grassroots presence, and his entry through family members is expected to significantly impact local political equations.

Ravindra Dhangekar’s wife and son have begun engaging with residents, holding meetings, and reaching out to voters to present their agenda. Supporters claim that their candidature represents continuity of leadership and familiarity with local civic issues. They argue that the Dhangekar family has remained connected with people on the ground and understands the everyday problems faced by citizens.

On the other side, Sonali Andekar and Ganesh Bidkar are also considered strong contenders with their own support bases and political experience. Their presence in the race ensures that the contest will not be one-sided. Both candidates have been actively campaigning, highlighting development issues, governance, and accountability as key themes of their outreach.

Political analysts note that family members of established leaders entering municipal elections is not uncommon, especially in urban local body politics where personal networks and name recognition play a crucial role. However, such moves often attract scrutiny, with critics raising questions about dynastic politics, while supporters emphasise experience and continuity.

The wards involved in this contest are considered politically significant, with diverse voter demographics and long-standing civic challenges such as road infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, and traffic management. Voters in Pune are known to be performance-oriented, often evaluating candidates based on accessibility, responsiveness, and visible work rather than party affiliation alone.

Opposition leaders have reacted cautiously, stating that elections should be fought on issues rather than personalities or family backgrounds. Some have argued that civic polls should focus on solutions to urban problems instead of political legacies. At the same time, they acknowledge that family-backed candidates often enjoy an organisational advantage.

Ravindra Dhangekar’s supporters believe that his family’s entry into the election will energise party workers and strengthen booth-level coordination. They claim that the trust built over the years will translate into votes. Meanwhile, rival camps are working to counter this advantage by intensifying their own campaigns and connecting directly with undecided voters.

Local residents have expressed mixed views on the development. While some appreciate familiar leadership and continuity, others stress the need for fresh ideas and accountability. Many voters have emphasised that they will ultimately judge candidates based on their vision for improving civic amenities and quality of life.

As of January 3, 2026, the entry of Ravindra Dhangekar’s wife and son has clearly reshaped the Pune municipal election narrative in the concerned wards. The contest against Sonali Andekar and Ganesh Bidkar is expected to remain competitive, with campaigning set to intensify in the coming days.

The outcome of this high-profile family versus rivals battle will depend on how effectively candidates connect with voters and address local issues. What is certain is that this contest has added drama and heightened interest in Pune’s Municipal Election 2026, making it one of the most closely observed ward-level races in the city.

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