PMC Elections: Nomination Chaos as 694 Applications Filed in a Single Day Across Pune

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 29th December 2025: The final phase of filing nomination papers for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections witnessed chaos on Monday as an unprecedented surge in applications put the election machinery under strain. While only 48 nomination forms were submitted over the previous seven days, a staggering 694 applications were filed in a single day, triggering heavy rush at all 15 ward offices across the city.

Election officials said the sudden spike led to overcrowding at zonal offices, with candidates and their supporters thronging premises throughout the day. The situation was particularly intense in high-profile wards, forcing the administration to work under pressure to manage the inflow of applicants.

According to data released by the PMC administration, the highest number of nominations were filed from Nagar Road–Vadgaon Sheri (88), Bibwewadi (72), Yerwada–Kalas–Dhanori (69), Hadapsar–Mundhwa (63), Bhawani Peth (59), Dhankawdi–Sahakarnagar (58) and Dhole Patil Road ward (47). Other wards also recorded significant numbers, indicating widespread political churn across the city. In total, 1,449 nomination forms were sold during the day, pushing overall form sales past the 11,000 mark.

Political observers attribute the sudden rush largely to uncertainty within major parties, particularly the BJP, which is yet to announce nearly 100 candidates. With ticket distribution still pending, several aspirants chose to file nomination papers independently, fuelling speculation of large-scale rebellion within party ranks.

Apart from the BJP, candidates from the Nationalist Congress Party, Shiv Sena, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also filed nominations in large numbers, further complicating the electoral landscape.

With Tuesday being the last day for filing nomination papers, officials expect the number of applications to rise further. In several wards, the growing crowd of aspirants has heightened concerns of dissatisfaction, rebellion, and internal conflict once final candidate lists are announced.

Election authorities said they are making additional arrangements to ensure smooth processing as the deadline approaches.