Vidyanand Bapat To Enter Pune Graduates’ Poll Fray? Aseem Sarode’s Post Sparks Buzz

Pune, 26th September 2026: Senior advocate Aseem Sarode has sparked discussion over the possibility of social activist Vidyanand Bapat contesting the upcoming Pune division graduates’ constituency election, asking whether Bapat should enter the electoral fray.

In a post on social media, Sarode shared a photograph with Bapat and asked: “Should Vidyanand Bapat contest the election from the graduates’ constituency? What do you think?”

Sarode said Bapat had emerged as a prominent voice against noise pollution, particularly during the Ganesh festival. He described Bapat as someone who, in his view, had raised concerns shared by many people and had spoken against what he termed the distorted and objectionable aspects of celebrations.

Praising Bapat’s background, Sarode described him as educated, cultured, polite and well-read, and said he was aware of social issues. Sarode also said Bapat had the ability to speak firmly on issues without lowering the level of discourse.

“Why should such an educated person not enter the legislature through the graduates’ constituency?” Sarode asked in his post.

Sarode’s remarks have triggered discussion over Bapat’s possible entry into electoral politics. Reports have noted that the discussion follows Bapat’s public stand on noise pollution during Ganesh festivities.

Sarode’s post also drew responses from members of the public, with some expressing support for the idea, according to Sarode. Others, however, suggested that Bapat should continue working as an independent civic voice rather than enter electoral politics.

The Pune division graduates’ constituency is among the constituencies for which elections to the Maharashtra Legislative Council are scheduled this year. However, Bapat has not announced a decision to contest the election in the material provided, and Sarode’s post by itself does not establish that he will enter the electoral fray. Subsequent reports have also said Bapat had not taken a final decision on contesting.