Ajit Pawar focuses on rural Pune after urban setback as Zilla Parishad polls loom

After failing to make his mark in the urban areas of his home district of Pune, NCP chief Ajit Pawar has swung into action to ensure that his party’s control over rural Pune remains intact even as he faces an optimistic challenge from the BJP.

The State Election Commission has announced elections for 12 zilla parishads and 125 panchayat samitis across Maharashtra on February 5, and counting is scheduled for February 7. This includes the Pune Zilla Parishad and 13 panchayat samitis in the district, comprising 146 members.

The Ajit Pawar-led NCP has long controlled the Pune Zilla Parishad. However, in the recently held municipal elections, the BJP defeated the NCP even though the latter contested in alliance with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). The defeat is considered a major setback for Ajit Pawar and his future political prospects.

“In 2017, The BJP had defeated the NCP in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), but failed to end NCP control in rural Pune represented in Zilla Parishad,” said an NCP leader.

In the first phase of the civic elections held last month, the NCP led by Ajit Pawar dominated by winning 10 of the 17 municipal councils who went to the polls. The party secured control of several neighboring municipal councils in the Baramati region, including Malegaon Budruk, Indapur, Jejuri, Daund, Phursungi-Uruli Devachi and Bhor, while wresting power from the BJP in the Lonavala Municipal Council.

The control over the municipal councils and the zilla parishad is considered politically significant as they share a common voter base with most of the Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies in Pune district. Much of the Baramati, Shirur and Maval Lok Sabha constituencies fall within the Pune Zilla Parishad and panchayat samiti areas. As many as 12 of the district’s 21 Assembly constituencies fall within the limits of Pune Zilla Parishad, along with 13 panchayat samitis.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the NCP (SP) won the Baramati and Shirur seats, while the Maval seat was won by the Shiv Sena’s Shrirang Barne.

Ajay Jadhav is assistant editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With more than 22 years of industry experience, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance and sustainability. Professional Experience Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune office, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He has a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Shocking reports: You are credited with articles based on research on conservation staff (waste workers) who influenced national policy to improve working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-level infrastructure (such as helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic services such as schools in his home districts. Personal Interests: An avid hiker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in outdoor activities often influences his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Your reports at the end of 2025 have been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 civic polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city’s infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) “Not friendly, but a bitter fight looms between BJP and NCP over PMC, PCMC” (22) December 2025): A detailed look at Intense rivalry between Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. “Pune civic polls: Big blow for NCP and NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP” (December 20, 2025): Report on poaching and high-profile party changes ahead of elections. “Ajit Pawar’s NCP continues dominance in Pune, wins 10 out of 17 local bodies” (December 21, 2025): Analysis of local self-governing bodies’ election results as precursors to major civic polls. 2. Infrastructure and Urban Development “Looking ahead in 2026: Pune will see inauguration of long-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route” (December 22, 2025) – An “insights” article on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to be completed by March 2026. “Pune construction: PMC to build double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha river” (18 December 2025) 2025): details a major project aimed at facilitating traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. “Condition of Pune-Kolhapur road to improve in a year: Gadkari” (December 4, 2025): Report on Union Minister’s assurance regarding one of the most critical transport corridors in the state. 3. Civic Governance and Environment “Install sensors and LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC for builders” (December 16, 2025) – A continuation of the “Breathless Pune” series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real time. “Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters” (December 16, 2025): Tracking administrative efforts to clean up voter lists ahead of 2026 elections. Signature style Ajay Jadhav is known for his accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level politics and the ‘ground zero’ reality of Pune residents. It is particularly focused on sustainable development, ensuring that as Pune becomes a “Bharat Mandapam”-style destination (referring to its report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape …Read more

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