As the clock ticks down to the deadline for filing nominations for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the city's political landscape. With only Monday and Tuesday remaining in the nomination window, the major political parties have yet to release their official candidate lists, leading to a painfully slow start dominated by independent hopefuls.
Alliance Talks Cause Widespread Delay
The primary reason for the holdup is attributed to protracted seat-sharing negotiations among the key political alliances. This delay has left hundreds of aspirants across Pune's wards in a state of anxious suspense, operating in a frustrating wait-and-watch mode. Party insiders confirm that the alliance discussions have stretched far beyond initial expectations.
Consequently, the nomination process has seen minimal activity so far, with only a handful of papers filed, primarily by independent candidates and party rebels. Election officials and local party offices are now preparing for an inevitable and massive last-minute rush over the next 48 hours. Many candidates are reportedly ready to submit their nominations even without formal party authorization as a precautionary measure.
Aspirants Forge Ahead Despite Uncertainty
Amid the confusion, several hopefuls are moving forward with their campaigns and filing plans, demonstrating their resolve. In ward number 6, Yerawada, Namrata Mahajan announced she will file her nomination on Monday. "I am confident my party will finalise my name. I cannot afford to lose time, so my filing plan is ready," she stated, adding that a rally with local workers has been organized from Alandi Road to the ward office.
Similarly, Shashi Tingre from ward no. 1, Lohegaon-Dhanori, confirmed a Tuesday filing. "The workers are charged up. Whether the list comes today or tomorrow, we are prepared," Tingre said, emphasizing the public's desire for continuity of work.
Other candidates echoed this sentiment. Imran Sheikh from ward no. 27, Kondhwa, remarked, "Alliance talks are beyond them, but the elections are on the ground. I will file my nomination with or without the symbol." Meanwhile, former corporator Raja Gorde of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena from ward no. 10, Bavdhan-Bhusari Colony, appealed for public support for his rally.
Key Election Dates and the Final Picture
The election calendar outlines a busy period ahead. The nomination filing period runs from December 23 to December 30. This will be followed by scrutiny of papers on December 31, with the list of valid candidates published immediately after. The final date for withdrawal of candidature is January 2, 2026. Election symbols will be allotted and the final list of contesting candidates will be published on January 3. The city will vote on January 15, with counting and results declaration scheduled for January 16.
The coming days are expected to see crowded scenes at party offices and ward election centres. However, the true electoral battlefield will only become clear after the scrutiny on December 31 and the withdrawal of nominations on January 2, once party symbols are officially assigned. Until then, Pune's political fate remains in a state of suspended animation, awaiting decisive moves from party headquarters.
