Next Generation of Political Families Wins Seats in Pune Municipal Corporation
Young members from prominent political families have successfully entered the Pune Municipal Corporation, maintaining their family traditions in the city's political landscape. These newcomers secured their positions in the recent elections, demonstrating the continuing influence of political dynasties in Pune.
BJP's New Faces Carry Forward Family Legacies
Kunal Tilak, son of former mayor Mukta Tilak and descendant of the Lokmanya Tilak family, has joined the PMC. He previously requested the party's candidacy for the state assembly election following his mother's passing. She served as a sitting BJP legislator at that time.
Swarada Bapat, daughter-in-law of late BJP MP Girish Bapat, also entered the PMC through these elections. She tested her political fortunes earlier in the Sangli Municipal Corporation before this victory.
Union minister Murlidhar Mohol of BJP commented on the diverse candidate selection. "We offered candidature to all categories of citizens," he stated. "Newcomers, youths, and experienced politicians all received opportunities. Voters demonstrated clear confidence in their choices."
Family Members Compete Across Party Lines
Raghvendra Mankar, son of NCP leader Deepak Mankar, won election as a BJP candidate. Meanwhile, his step brother Harshvardhan Mankar secured a PMC seat as an NCP candidate. Their father Deepak Mankar remains with NCP and previously served as Pune's deputy mayor.
Deepak Mankar expressed confidence in both sons during victory celebrations. "I believed both my sons would win the PMC elections despite representing different political parties," he said. "They have consistently worked for citizen welfare in their respective wards."
Multiple Family Members Enter Civic Body
NCP(SP) legislator Bapu Pathare's son Surendra Pathare and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Pathare both became corporators in PMC on BJP tickets. Surendra's cousin Trupti Bharane also won election as a BJP corporator within the same civic body.
For BJP, Nivedita Ekbote continues her family's political journey. As daughter of former BJP corporator Jyotsana Ekbote, she joins the elected body from a family known for strong Hindutva ideology adherence.
Apporva Khade, son of former BJP corporators Neelima Khade and Datta Khade, now serves as a PMC corporator. He carries forward his parents' legacy in Pune's political arena.
Some Political Legacies Face Interruption
Former legislator Ravindra Dhangekar experienced a setback in continuing his political legacy. Both his son Pranav and wife Pratibha lost their election contests while running on Shiv Sena tickets.
The political presence of Vasant More and his son Rupesh from Shiv Sena(UBT) ended in the PMC elections. Vasant More previously served as a long-time MNS corporator in the civic body.
Congress candidate Avinash Bagwe previously took over from his father, former Congress minister Ramesh Bagwe, in PMC. Although elected to the civic body in past elections, both he and his wife Indra Bagwe faced defeat this time.
These election results highlight how political families continue shaping Pune's municipal governance while some established names face unexpected challenges.
