Who Will Be Pune’s Next Mayor? BJP Names in the Spotlight After Landslide Civic Win
Who Will Be Pune’s Next Mayor? BJP Names in the Spotlight After Landslide Civic Win
Pune, January 17, 2026: With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing a decisive two-thirds majority in the Pune Municipal Corporation, intense discussions have begun over who will assume the mayor’s post. The party’s resounding victory has shifted focus from election results to leadership, with several senior BJP leaders emerging as strong contenders for the prestigious position.
Between 2017 and 2022, Mukta Tilak and later Murlidhar Mohol served as Pune’s mayors. After the BJP formed the civic body on its own for the first time in 2017 by winning 97 seats, the party had limited corporators with administrative experience. As a result, key responsibilities were entrusted to a select group of leaders. Mukta Tilak, known for her unwavering loyalty to the party and selfless service, was appointed mayor, though health issues often limited her presence. She was later succeeded by Murlidhar Mohol, whose tenure coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he played a crucial role in strengthening civic facilities for Pune residents.
Although the new ruling party in the civic body is now clear, the reservation status for the mayor’s post has not yet been announced. The reservation process is expected to take two to three weeks, after which clarity will emerge on who will get the opportunity.
Former municipal House leader and city BJP president Dhiraj Ghate, election in-charge Ganesh Bidkar, along with former House leader Shrinath Bhimale, Varsha Tapkir, former deputy mayor Prasanna Jagtap, Rajendra Shilimkar, Mansi Deshpande, Manjusha Nagpure, Anil Tingre, and Yogesh Mulik are among the senior BJP leaders being considered. In addition, leaders such as Bala Oswal, Prithviraj Sutar, and Sachin Dodke, who joined the BJP from other parties a few months ago, are also well-versed in municipal administration.
The debate over the next mayor is expected to continue in the coming days.
