Supreme Court upholds 2022 ward system for Pune’s civic polls, triggering political tension. Opposition grows wary as BJP gains strength; national issues and local reshuffling expected to sway election dynamics.
Anshu Kashid
Pune | May 16, 2025: With the Supreme Court’s directive to conduct municipal elections under the existing 2022 ward system, the stage is set for a high-stakes political showdown in Pune. The city will retain its four-member ward format, and elections will be conducted based on the 2011 census due to the unavailability of 2021 data. However, the addition of 32 new villages has sparked conversations around potential ward reshuffling, with many fearing it may tilt the advantage toward the ruling party.
This reorganisation has left opposition parties visibly anxious, especially as the BJP already holds a dominant position in Pune. Out of the city’s eight MLAs, six belong to the BJP, one to its ally (Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction), and one to the opposition (Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction). The political air is thick with anticipation as candidates—both veterans and first-timers—gear up for the polls.
For many, preparations started long ago. Aspiring corporators have been hosting events and building public rapport for nearly four and a half years. However, with the restructuring increasing the number of corporators to 166 (from the previous 162), campaign costs are expected to soar. Former corporators are waiting for the official announcement before diving into full-scale campaigns, knowing the financial strain that comes with early groundwork.
A separate undercurrent influencing the political narrative is the rising national sentiment following recent terror attacks in Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong retaliatory response has garnered praise, and political analysts believe this wave of nationalistic emotion could impact local elections in BJP’s favor. There are even murmurs that some opposition corporators have defected to BJP in anticipation of favorable ward placements.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reaffirmed that ward restructuring would follow the 2022 format, as per Supreme Court orders. Speaking at a workshop in Pune, he assured that the Election Commission has initiated planning accordingly. Shinde also hinted that Lok Sabha and Assembly elections might be conducted together and promised that PMRDA’s development concerns will be addressed in the new city development plan for improved urban growth.
As Pune stands on the cusp of civic elections, the mix of legal orders, political maneuvering, and national sentiment promises a riveting battle for control over one of Maharashtra’s key urban power centers.
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