PMC Elections | BJP candidates elected unopposed: Less than half of total voters flock to district

2 minutes of readingPuneJanuary 16, 2026 12:02 am IST

The unopposed election of candidates in the Municipal Corporation polls, which has become a topic of debate, appears to have its impact on voters in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) ward, where two BJP candidates were elected unopposed after their rivals withdrew their candidature. The district today witnessed a low turnout of 48.66 percent with less than half of the voters abstaining from voting.

In Suncity-Manikbaug ward 35, BJP candidates Manjusha Nagpure and Shrikant Jagtap were elected unopposed after their opponents withdrew from the race on the last day of withdrawal of candidature. A total of four corporations would be elected from four different categories of the district as per the state government’s decision to elect four corporations from one district in PMC.

Of the 70,018 voters in the district, 34,068 exercised their right to vote and elect candidates from two subcategories. A total of 18,003 male and 16,068 female voters from the district participated in the election. However, the state election commission has asked for a detailed report as per rules to ensure if there were no irregularities or pressure from rivals.

The BJP had celebrated the unopposed election of two of its PMC candidates saying that the opponents walked out fearing possible humiliation they would suffer after defeat. However, rival alliance NCP-NCP (SP), Congress-Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS had criticized the unopposed election, alleging the BJP’s use of money and muscle power to make opponents withdraw from the contest.

On January 15, voters in the Suncity-Manikbaug district had to elect only two candidates, as two candidates from a separate subcategory were elected unopposed. “We wanted all four BJP candidates to be elected unopposed to the district PMC, but we were a little late in planning a strategy for the same,” said a BJP leader.

On criticism of BJP for electing unopposed candidates, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that this kind of trend also existed in the Congress government and the unopposed election of BJP candidates shows the confidence of voters in the party.

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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