Pune: Why a Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Portrait Proposal Triggered a Political Clash in PMC

Pune, 26th August 2026: A proposal to install an oil portrait of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) headquarters triggered a political confrontation during Tuesday’s general body meeting, with NCP (Ajit Pawar) corporator Amol Balwadkar challenging BJP corporators to speak about Mukherjee’s life and political contribution.

The resolution was moved by PMC House Leader Ganesh Bidkar and BJP corporator Archana Patil to install a portrait of Mukherjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and a former Union Minister for Industry and Supply, at the civic headquarters.

The proposal was introduced ahead of Mukherjee’s birth anniversary, observed on July 6.

During the discussion, Balwadkar moved a supplementary amendment seeking to include references to Mukherjee’s contribution to the unity and integrity of the country, his opposition to Article 370 and his slogan, “One country, one constitution, one flag and one head.”

Balwadkar also challenged BJP corporators to speak about Mukherjee’s life and political contribution. He suggested that each member speak for at least 10 minutes so that the House could learn more about the former Jana Sangh leader.

The demand led to objections from BJP councillors, who accused Balwadkar of insulting Mukherjee through his supplementary amendment. BJP members demanded that Balwadkar apologise and withdraw the amendment.

The issue triggered a commotion in the House, with arguments between members overshadowing the discussion on the proposed portrait.

Amid the uproar, BJP corporators did not make detailed speeches on Mukherjee. Balwadkar eventually withdrew his supplementary amendment, bringing the confrontation to an end.
Balwadkar’s political background
Balwadkar was previously associated with the BJP and served as a BJP corporator from 2017 to 2022. He was also considered close to Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil.
During the 2024 Assembly elections, Balwadkar filed his nomination from the Kothrud constituency against Patil, leading to a political confrontation within the party. He later withdrew his nomination following intervention by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Balwadkar subsequently joined the NCP and was elected as a PMC corporator. His continued criticism of Patil has remained a source of tension between him and the BJP.

The exchange over the Mukherjee portrait proposal has since become a talking point in Pune’s civic political circles, with Balwadkar’s challenge to BJP corporators to speak about Mukherjee turning a proposed tribute into a political confrontation.