Beyond reserved seats: 6 women win general category wards to become PMC corporators

With 83 of the 165 seats in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Reserved for women, corporate women were expected to outnumber their male counterparts. However, the results were a surprise: six women competed in the general category rooms and won, bringing the total number of corporate women to 89.

As per the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, it is mandatory to reserve half of the seats in local bodies for women candidates. In the PMC, 83 seats were reserved for women: two in every 40 wards and three in one ward.

In Kondhwa Budruk-Yewalewadi district, all four elected corporators are women: BJP’s Archana Jagtap, Vrushali Kamthe, Puja Kadam and Ranjana Tilekar. This is most likely the only district in the state where all elected members are women. Jagtap and Tilekar won in the overall category.

Among the others who won in the general category were Veena Ghosh (BJP) from Sahakarnagar-Padmavati district, who defeated the city’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Subhash Jagtap; Raviwar Peth and Nana Peth’s Palavi Jawale (BJP); Nivedita Ekbote (BJP) from Shivajinagar-Model Colony; and BJP’s Sangeeta Dangat from Kalas-Dhanori ward.

“This is the first time that such a large number of women have been elected to the PMC as corporators. The BJP had given maximum number of tickets to female candidates, irrespective of whether the seat was reserved for women or the general category. We are proud that six female candidates proved their mettle by defeating their male rivals in their respective wards,” city BJP chief Dheeraj Ghate said.

Ghate, who was also elected to the PMC as a corporator, said the large number of women would bring sincerity and discipline in the functioning of the general body and various civic panels of elected representatives.

A civic official said corporate women were more likely to understand the problems faced by female employees. “We are happy that there are now more women entrepreneurs in the PMC. They will understand our problems and address them at the right level,” he added.

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Last year, a civic official complained against a political worker who harassed her and lodged a complaint with the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission, following which she was banned from entering the civic office.

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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