Pune: With municipal elections on the horizon, political parties have intensified their preparations. Among them, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party (Shiv Sena UBT) has taken the lead by initiating the candidate selection process. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the election schedule, the party has begun interviewing aspirants and collecting application forms.

A notable aspect of the application process is the requirement for candidates to disclose any criminal records. This move comes as part of the party’s strategy to prevent future legal complications and maintain a clean image. Candidates are being asked to declare whether any police cases have been filed against them, and if so, provide details regarding the nature of the offenses.

In the run-up to the local body elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) has been experiencing defections, with several members switching allegiance to Mahayuti, the ruling alliance in Maharashtra. In response, the party has intensified efforts to retain its cadre and reinforce its organizational strength. This includes proactive candidate selection and grassroots mobilization.

Campaign Gains Momentum

As part of these efforts, Shiv Sena (UBT) has launched the "Yes, I Will Become a Corporator" campaign in Pune. The party has conducted interviews for aspirants across eight assembly constituencies in the city, with 180 candidates expressing their interest in contesting the elections.

The application process involves gathering detailed political backgrounds of candidates, including past election experience, party affiliations, and voting performance. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, the party has mandated a declaration of any criminal cases to avoid potential controversies. This initiative underscores the party’s commitment to fielding candidates with a clean public image.