Legacies stay alive as youngsters from political families come to PMC

True to their party’s election, youngsters Kunal Tilak, Swarada Bapat, Surendra Pathare and Aishwarya Pathare made it to the elected body of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), keeping their family legacy alive in city politics.

Kunal is the son of former mayor Mukta Tilak, a descendant of the Lokmanya Tilak family. He had sought the party’s candidature in the state assembly elections after the death of his mother, who was then a sitting BJP legislator. Swarada Bapat, daughter-in-law of late BJP MP Girish Bapat, also joined the PMC. He had previously tried his luck in the Sangli Municipal Corporation in the past. “We nominated all categories of citizens. There were also newcomers, youth and experienced politicians. Voters showed confidence in them,” said Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol of the BJP.

Raghvendra Mankar, son of NCP leader Deepak Mankar, was elected as the BJP candidate, while his half-brother Harshvardhan Mankar came to the PMC as an NCP candidate. His father, Deepak Mankar, belongs to the NCP and was deputy mayor of Pune City. “I was confident that both my sons, who were contesting for different political parties, would win the PMC elections. They have been working for the welfare of citizens in their respective constituencies,” Deepak Mankar said while celebrating his sons’ victory in the PMC elections.

NCP (SP) legislator Bapu Pathare’s son Surendra Pathare and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Pathare were elected corporators in PMC on BJP tickets. Surendra’s cousin Trupti Bharane has also been elected as a BJP corporator in the civic body.

For the BJP, Nivedita Ekbote, daughter of former BJP corporator Jyotsana Ekbote, comes to the elected body from a family that has been known as a staunch follower of the Hindutva ideology. Also, Apporva Khade, son of former BJP corporators Neelima Khade and Datta Khade, has become a PMC corporator to carry forward his parents’ legacy in city politics.

Former legislator Ravindra Dhangekar failed to continue his political legacy in PMC after his son Pranav and wife Pratibha lost elections on Shiv Sena tickets. The performances of Vasant More and his son Rupesh of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the PMC elections brought an end to the family’s presence in the civic body, of which Vasant More had been a long-time member as an MNS corporator. Congress candidate Avinash Bagwe had taken over the reins from his father and former Congress minister Ramesh Bagwe in the PMC. He had already been elected to the civic body in the past, but this time he and his wife Indra Bagwe lost the election.

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-government body 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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