Pune, 14 February 2026: The formation of the Standing Committee of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), considered the key decision-making body controlling financial matters, has triggered political buzz after most of its members were selected from suburban and newly merged areas.
Mayor Manjusha Nagpure announced the names of 16 members in the General Body meeting. The committee includes 12 members from BJP, three from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and one from Congress. The election for the Standing Committee chairperson is expected within the next seven days.
Of the 16 members, 13 corporators are from suburban regions or recently merged villages, highlighting a clear shift in political focus beyond the city’s old central areas.
While finalising the list, BJP adopted a surprise approach. Several senior and multi-term corporators aspiring for the Standing Committee were left out. Among those interested in the chairperson’s post were Shrinath Bhamale, Anil Tingre, Ajay Khedekar, Rajendra Shilimkar and Dheeraj Ghate. However, only Shrinath Bhamale was included in the final list.
The party gave preference to corporators from large wards and merged villages. From central Pune, Vishal Dhanwade, Nisha Manavatkar and Shrinath Bhamale were selected. Several suburban corporators, including Rupali Dhadawe, Kalindi Pude, Jayshree Bhumkar, Ratnamala Sawant, Prachi Alhat, Mayuri Kokate, Dr. Dada Kodre, Vrushali Kamathe and Sandeep Beldare, were also given representation.
The decision has reportedly led to dissatisfaction within the BJP, as some experienced corporators were denied an opportunity while newcomers were elevated in their very first year.
The NCP nominated Amol Balwadkar, who had earlier contested strongly against BJP leaders, along with Vaishali Bankar and Suhas Tingre, brother of former MLA and city NCP president Sunil Tingre. Congress selected Prashant Jagtap as its lone representative in the committee.
Notably, both Vaishali Bankar and Prashant Jagtap are former mayors. Traditionally, former mayors are not assigned positions in other committees, but both NCP and Congress set aside this convention and nominated them to the Standing Committee.
Within Congress too, some party loyalists expressed unhappiness as Jagtap, who joined the party only three months ago, was given the opportunity.
