Mahayuti Introduces Centralized Approval System for Development Projects in Pune District
Pune, 29th April 2025: In a move aimed at preventing internal conflicts among coalition partners, the ruling Mahayuti alliance has implemented a centralized approval system for all development proposals in Pune district. Dubbed the ‘Pune Pattern’, the new framework requires MLAs from BJP, NCP (Ajit Pawar), and Shiv Sena (Shinde) to route their proposals through designated senior party leaders before submission to the district administration.
The decision follows the resolution of a power struggle between Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Chandrakant Patil over the Guardian Minister post, which Pawar has retained. The District Planning Committee has approved a development outlay of ₹1,379 crore, and under the new system, disbursement of these funds will now be coordinated through party leadership rather than at the discretion of individual MLAs.
With municipal and Zilla Parishad elections on the horizon, MLAs are keen to showcase development work in their constituencies. However, to avoid political friction, Mahayuti has made it mandatory for proposals to be vetted by party-appointed leaders:
BJP MLAs must route proposals through Chandrakant Patil
NCP (Ajit Pawar) MLAs through Sports Minister Dattatray Bharane
Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLAs through former minister Vijay Shivtare
This system effectively places control of the ₹1,379 crore fund in the hands of three key figures, leading to observations within political circles that MLAs will now be dependent on these leaders to push forward their projects.
Current MLA Distribution in Pune District:
BJP: 9 MLAs
(6 in Pune city, 2 in Pimpri-Chinchwad, 1 rural)
NCP (Ajit Pawar): 8 MLAs
(1 each in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, 6 rural)
Shiv Sena (Shinde): 1 MLA
NCP (Sharad Pawar): 1 MLA
Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction): 1 MLA
Independent: 1 MLA (Sharad Sonawane, Junnar)
Notably, Congress has no representation in the district, with candidates Ravindra Dhangekar (Kasba), Sanjay Jagtap (Purandar), and Sangram Thopte (Bhor) having lost in the last election.
