Campaigning for the crucial Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections has officially commenced across the city, following the completion of nomination paper scrutiny by the Election Commission on Wednesday. Candidates from major political parties have rolled out their electoral strategies, setting the stage for an intense fortnight of voter outreach.
A Blend of Tradition and Grassroots Outreach
The launch of campaigns reflected a diverse mix of political styles across Pune's wards. Activities ranged from traditional temple visits and prayer ceremonies to formal flag-off events conducted by senior party leaders. The energetic beats of dhol-tasha performances and appearances by local celebrities added a vibrant colour to the political landscape in several areas.
With the polling day approaching, candidates have identified their primary strategy for the next 10 to 12 days: extensive padyatras (foot marches) and systematic door-to-door canvassing. Emphasis is being placed on entire panels of candidates campaigning together, with a special focus on evening interactions to catch residents when they are most likely to be at home.
Major Parties Kickstart Their Electoral Drives
Shiv Sena's city organiser, Anand Goyal, launched his campaign from ward 6 on Thursday alongside his panel candidates. Addressing supporters, Goyal framed the campaign as a new chapter for Pune's politics, claiming the party is growing stronger under Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's leadership. "The enthusiasm among workers and the positive response from citizens is encouraging," Goyal stated, outlining a platform centred on development, transparency, and people-centric governance.
In the Dhankawadi–Ambegaon Budruk area, five BJP candidates from the ward collectively began their campaign from the Shri Shankar Maharaj Math. The event drew a large crowd of party workers, creating a charged atmosphere. BJP candidate Ashwini Amar Chindhe highlighted the plan for coordinated home visits by all panel members to maximise voter reach.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is also gearing up for an intensive campaign phase. Workers at the party's campaign office were busy distributing materials to candidates and volunteers across various wards in anticipation of heightened activity.
Local Campaigns and Personal Connects Take Centre Stage
Congress leader Prashant Jagtap formally inaugurated his campaign in Wanowrie, stating his two-week focus would be on visiting housing societies and meeting citizen groups. Jagtap noted the significance of this election as his first civic poll contest as an official Congress candidate.
In the Gokhalenagar–Wakdewadi ward, Shiv Sena's Sonali Landge, contesting for a second consecutive term, started her campaign with home visits. She plans to hold meetings with residents and housing societies to highlight past development work and address pending civic issues.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) indicated plans for an aggressive campaign rollout from the coming weekend, which will include handout distribution and direct voter engagement in constituencies where its candidates are in the fray.
As Pune enters this critical phase, candidates across the political spectrum are banking on sustained personal connect and high visibility through traditional grassroots methods to win the trust and votes of the city's residents.
