Jayesh Murkute: 24-Year-Old NCP (SP) Candidate Focused on Civic and Community Issues in Baner–Balewadi
Jayesh Murkute: 24-Year-Old NCP (SP) Candidate Focused on Civic and Community Issues in Baner–Balewadi
Jayesh Murkute is a young and active community leader from Baner, Pune, known for his consistent grassroots engagement and hands-on approach to civic issues. Emerging from the rapidly growing Baner–Balewadi region, he has built his public identity around accessibility, dialogue, and direct action, working closely with residents to address everyday concerns related to infrastructure, safety, health, and overall quality of life.
Over the years, Murkute’s work on the ground naturally evolved into a more structured platform with the formation of the Jayesh Murkute Social Foundation in 2022. Through the foundation, his individual efforts expanded into organised community service, enabling sustained intervention across Baner, Balewadi, Mahalunge, and surrounding localities.
The foundation has become known for addressing critical civic needs. A key initiative is the free ambulance service for all residents of Prabhag 9, which has been operational for over four years and continues to provide timely emergency medical support without discrimination. Alongside this, one of the foundation’s most visible cultural contributions has been fully funding the renovation of Baner village’s historic Shree Ram Temple, reinforcing the importance of preserving local heritage amid rapid urbanisation.
Murkute and his team are frequently seen assisting citizens during waterlogging situations, managing traffic at congestion-prone junctions, and responding to urgent local issues, reflecting a leadership style rooted in presence, responsiveness, and direct engagement rather than formalities.
A major highlight of the foundation’s work is the ‘Parivartan Run’ marathon, now in its fourth year, which attracts nearly 4,500 to 5,000 participants annually. The event promotes fitness, social awareness, and community unity, and has witnessed the presence of senior leaders including NCP (SCP) president Sharad Pawar and, this year, Prashant Jagtap.
Cultural and religious activities form another strong pillar of Murkute’s community engagement. The foundation manages Ganpati Visarjan ghats, organises eco-friendly idol-making workshops, and hosts events such as Dahi Handi, Diwali Aarti, and Dandiya, helping strengthen neighbourhood bonds. Educational initiatives for children include essay writing and drawing competitions on Mahaparinirvan Din, along with general knowledge examinations conducted at the Dynaneshwar Balaji Murkute School.
Environmental responsibility remains a key focus area. Tree plantation drives are conducted under the Vasundhara Abhiyan, while regular cleanliness campaigns cover roads, public spaces, and hill slopes prone to littering. The foundation has also extended support to local police stations by donating essential items such as rain gear, furniture, LED lights, and electronic equipment. Public health initiatives include mosquito fogging drives in vulnerable areas to reduce seasonal health risks.
In collaboration with the Navachaitanya Hasya Club, Murkute led the observance of Pedestrians’ Day, aimed at promoting road safety awareness among residents. On the advocacy front, he has played a notable role in highlighting long-pending issues related to the Mahalunge Town Planning Scheme. Following a recent public agitation, Murkute facilitated direct discussions between affected villagers and NCP (SCP) president Sharad Pawar, securing a positive assurance towards resolving the matter.
By combining personal leadership with institutional support through his foundation, Jayesh Murkute has positioned himself as a grassroots-driven figure in Pune’s Baner–Balewadi belt, focused on practical solutions, community participation, and sustained civic impact.
