Pune BJP Intensifies Deliberations On Mayor’s Post; Three Women Corporators In Race, Final Call With CM Fadnavis
Pune BJP Intensifies Deliberations On Mayor’s Post; Three Women Corporators In Race, Final Call With CM Fadnavis
Pune, February 3, 2026: With the municipal elections concluded, political focus in Pune has now shifted to the selection of the next mayor and deputy mayor. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is poised to stake claim to the top civic posts, has begun intense internal consultations, even as suspense continues over the final choice.
Late Monday night, a crucial meeting of the BJP’s core committee was held in Pune to discuss potential candidates for the mayor’s position. State BJP president Ravindra Chavan attended the meeting, along with senior leaders and ministers. While several names were discussed and shortlisted, party sources indicated that the final decision will rest with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Party leaders confirmed that BJP candidates for the posts of mayor and deputy mayor are expected to file their nomination papers on Tuesday, adding urgency to the ongoing deliberations.
According to sources, three women corporators—Manjusha Nagpure, Varsha Tapkir and Mansi Deshpande—are currently seen as frontrunners for the mayor’s post. A keen contest is underway among them, with each reportedly mobilising support within the party. At the same time, speculation is rife that a surprise candidate, considered a “dark horse,” could emerge at the last moment with the backing of senior leadership.
The core committee meeting was attended by prominent BJP leaders, including ministers Chandrakant Patil and Madhuri Misal, Leader of the House Ganesh Bidkar, Pune city BJP president Dheeraj Ghate, and other key office-bearers.
Political observers note that the BJP has a history of taking unexpected decisions in such appointments, keeping both party workers and the public guessing. As discussions continue behind closed doors, attention across Maharashtra remains firmly fixed on Pune, with all eyes on Chief Minister Fadnavis, who is expected to take the final call after weighing factors such as party loyalty, administrative experience and future political strategy.
