PMC Elections: Ward 9 Candidate Lahu Balwadkar Engages With Residents

Baner, 12th January 2026: With the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections approaching, political activity has intensified across the city, bringing several wards into focus. Ward No. 9 has emerged as a key constituency, where Bharatiya Janata Party’s official candidate Lahu Gajanan Balwadkar is increasingly being seen as a trusted name among voters across age groups.

As part of the election preparations, Balwadkar has been actively engaging with residents through village visits, padayatras, door-to-door interactions and regular meetings with citizens. Residents say his presence in the area is not limited to the election period, as he has remained connected with the ward for several years. Many locals also recall his continued outreach and support to citizens during the challenging Covid-19 period.

Balwadkar has gained the confidence of youth, women and senior citizens alike. While many faces appear in the ward only during elections, residents note that Balwadkar has consistently worked in public service even without holding an official position. His initiatives include organising women’s gatherings, empowerment programmes, competitions and guidance sessions for women, as well as cultural, sports and skill-based platforms for children and young people.

For senior citizens, he has supported social and cultural activities and has also been associated with efforts to bring together the revered Barah Malhar Paduka at one place, a move residents describe as significant from a cultural and spiritual perspective.

Owing to these sustained efforts, Balwadkar’s identity in Ward 9 has gone beyond that of a candidate, with many residents referring to him as a familiar and dependable presence. His focus on development, social commitment and continuous public engagement has contributed to a noticeable rise in his popularity across different sections of the electorate.

As the civic polls draw closer, the evolving political equations in Ward 9 are being closely watched, with the growing public support for Lahu Gajanan Balwadkar likely to play a decisive role in the upcoming election.