The political landscape of Pimpri Chinchwad has witnessed a significant churn ahead of the crucial municipal corporation elections, scheduled for January 15, 2026. A notable number of established leaders and former corporators from major parties like the BJP and the NCP find themselves out of the electoral race, either by choice or after being denied tickets, leading to emotional outbursts and a wave of party switching.
Veterans Bow Out, Blame Party 'Injustice'
The list of prominent faces absent from the ballot this time is extensive. From the BJP, seasoned corporators like Asha Shendge (Kasarwadi), Bhima Bobde (Nigdi-Yamunanagar), Eknath Pawar, and Ashwini Chinchwade are not contesting. Several others, including Rajendra Rajapure and his wife, Raju Durge, Sharda Sonawane, Sunita Tapkir, and Keshav Gholve, who were seeking re-nomination, were also not fielded.
The NCP camp presents a similar picture. Big names like former mayor Mangala Kadam, ex-standing committee chairman Ajit Gavhane, Geeta Mancharkar (Nehrunagar), Shyam Lande (Kasarwadi), former mayor Mohini Lande (Bhosari), her son Vikrant Lande, former deputy mayor Amar Moolchandani, and Rahul Kalate are not in the fray from the party. Gavhane cited a strategic decision by the party for him to focus on campaigning in Bhosari as the reason for his absence.
Emotional Fallout and Strategic Exits
The denial of tickets has led to raw emotional reactions. Asha Shendge, a two-term corporator known for her activism during the COVID-19 pandemic—which even led to a jail term—broke down while recounting her experience. Feeling betrayed, she has now joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Similarly, BJP state general secretary Raju Durge expressed disappointment after being denied a ticket from Sambhaji Nagar, a fate that also befell his daughter who lost by a narrow margin last time. He, however, pledged continued loyalty to the party.
Other exits were attributed to strategic or demographic reasons. Geeta Mancharkar opted out as her Nehrunagar seat was reserved for women from the general category. Shyam Lande, whose family has been contesting for 30 years, fielded his wife after his Kasarwadi seat became reserved for women. Mangala Kadam's exit is linked to her son Kushagra contesting on a BJP ticket.
Musical Chairs: Prominent Leaders Switch Allegiances
The pre-election period has also been marked by notable party hopping, blurring traditional lines. Former NCP mayor Aparna Doke is now a BJP candidate from Chinchwad. Ex-NCP mayor Shakuntala Darade is also contesting on a BJP ticket. Former deputy mayor Raju Misal and ex-standing committee chairperson Prashant Shitole, a close aide of Ajit Pawar, have shifted to the BJP and are contesting from Pradhikaran and Sangvi areas, respectively.
In a reverse move, Seema Sawale, a three-time BJP corporator, has joined the NCP and is contesting from Indrayaninagar-Balajinagar. Rahul Kalate, formerly with the NCP (SP), is now in the fray on a BJP ticket from Wakad.
This large-scale reshuffling of candidates and the sidelining of several experienced hands sets the stage for a highly unpredictable and keenly watched election for the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.
