PMC Elections 2026: Eknath Shinde Calls on Voters to “Create History” in Sahakarnagar–Padmavati
Pune, 9th January 2026: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday called upon voters to “create history once again” in the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (elections, stating that strong public support, particularly from women voters, had already been witnessed during the Assembly polls and should now be repeated in the civic elections.
Shinde was addressing a large campaign rally in Sahakarnagar–Padmavati, Ward No. 36, held in support of Shiv Sena’s official candidates — Aba Bagul, Balasaheb alias Machhindra Dhavle, Poonam Harish Pardeshi, and Nayana Nitin Lagas. The Deputy Chief Minister greeted residents and interacted with voters during the rally, which witnessed an enthusiastic turnout.
The area witnessed a distinctly festive atmosphere as citizens turned out in large numbers, with slogans raised by women voters expressing support for Shiv Sena candidates drawing attention. Shinde acknowledged the response, saying the confidence shown by voters reflected their faith in the party’s leadership.
Addressing the gathering, Shinde said Aba Bagul had earned a strong position in the minds of residents through various development initiatives in Ward 36. He assured that substantial funds would be made available through the Urban Development Department to address infrastructure needs, civic issues, and redevelopment projects in the area.
Appealing to voters, Shinde urged them to elect Aba Bagul to the civic body for a seventh term. “Do not miss the opportunity to be part of a historic moment,” he said, adding that continued public support would help accelerate development works in the ward.
Earlier, Industry Minister Uday Samant addressed a public meeting at Krantisurya Mahatma Phule Chowk, stating that the large presence of women and youth indicated that change was inevitable. He said Aba Bagul’s ward had become a reference point for development, with people from other areas visiting to observe the work carried out.
Samant said Shiv Sena was committed to resolving key civic issues in Pune, including traffic congestion, water supply, and healthcare. He added that Aba Bagul was prepared to play a key role in driving Pune’s development further.
On housing, Samant said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also heads the Urban Development Department, would provide relief to slum dwellers by ensuring access to rightful housing. He also announced that property tax on 500 sq ft homes would be waived and assured support for setting up an Industry Bhavan in Pune.
Addressing the gathering, Aba Bagul appealed to voters to support Shiv Sena by voting for the party’s bow-and-arrow symbol on polling day. He said the party stood for inclusive development and governance.
During the event, Bagul submitted a memorandum to Shinde seeking approval for various projects on reserved land under the development plan. Responding to the demands, Shinde assured that permission would be granted for the construction of a 300-bed multi-speciality hospital at Taljai Hill to strengthen healthcare facilities.
He also said priority would be given to establishing a new school at Taljai Hill on the lines of the Rajiv Gandhi e-learning model to enhance access to modern education. For economically weaker students, Shinde said a positive decision would be taken on setting up a state-of-the-art engineering college at Walvekar Nagar offering free or subsidised education.
Shinde further assured that steps would be taken to facilitate self-redevelopment housing for slum dwellers, including continuation of the stay on the Shahu Vasahat SRA project and granting residents permission for self-redevelopment. He said all demands raised during the meeting would be addressed through the Urban Development Department.
To ease traffic congestion in Pune, the Deputy Chief Minister also said the HCMTR (Ring Road) project would be expedited.
