Pune Civic Polls 2026: Sahil Kedari Secures Victory In Ward 18 Wanowrie Salunke Vihar
Pune Civic Polls 2026: Sahil Kedari Secures Victory In Ward 18 Wanowrie Salunke Vihar
Pune, January 16, 2026: Congress leader Sahil Kedari has registered a decisive victory from Ward 18 (Wanowrie–Salunke Vihar) in the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, emerging successful in a keenly contested, multi-cornered fight. The contest featured strong candidates from the BJP, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), making the outcome politically significant for the city’s civic landscape.
Kedari’s win is being widely seen as a major boost for the Congress in Pune, particularly in a ward considered strategically important due to its diverse voter base and intense competition. Political observers note that the result reflects growing public confidence in the Congress’s local leadership and its sustained engagement with residents at the grassroots level.
The victory also carries strong emotional and political significance for the Kedari family. Sahil Kedari’s parents, Bhavana Kedari and Shivaji Kedari, had served as corporators nearly two decades ago, making this win a return of the Kedari family to the Pune Municipal Corporation after a long gap. Supporters describe the mandate as a continuation of the family’s legacy of public service in the Wanowrie–Salunke Vihar region.
Following the declaration of results, Congress workers and supporters gathered at the counting centre to celebrate the victory. Slogans were raised in support of the party and its leadership, with workers calling the win a clear signal of renewed faith in the Congress among urban voters.
Party leaders stated that the result would energise the Congress cadre ahead of future civic and political battles, while also strengthening the party’s position in Pune’s municipal politics. The Ward 18 outcome is expected to influence political strategies across neighbouring wards, as parties reassess voter sentiment in the wake of the closely fought election.
Overall, Sahil Kedari’s victory is being viewed not only as a personal and familial milestone, but also as an important chapter in the Congress’s efforts to consolidate its presence in Pune’s civic governance.
