PMC Elections: Prashant Jagtap Wins Again After Party Switch, Bolstering Congress in Pune
Pune, 16th January 2026: In a dramatic turn ahead of the civic elections, senior Pune leader Prashant Jagtap has successfully retained his winning streak after leaving the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to join the Indian National Congress. The tense counting process saw him fluctuate between leads, but a final surge secured his victory, underscoring his enduring grassroots support despite the political turbulence surrounding his party switch.
Jagtap’s exit from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP came amid speculation over the possible reunification of the two NCP factions. His resignation, citing ideological concerns, drew widespread attention in Pune and across Maharashtra. Several political parties—including both Shiv Sena factions—courted him after he resigned, but Jagtap ultimately chose the Congress, surprising the political establishment and generating intense debate in political circles.
A loyalist of Sharad Pawar for nearly 27 years, Jagtap had remained with the Sharad Pawar faction even after the NCP split in 2023. He served as Pune city NCP president and earned a reputation as a disciplined organisation man, widely regarded as one of Pawar’s most trusted city leaders. However, concerns over ideological compromises led to his resignation and eventual shift to Congress.
Jagtap has been active in Pune politics since the formation of the NCP in 1999, serving multiple terms as a corporator from the Wanowrie constituency and holding the post of Pune Mayor in 2016–17. In 2021, he became the Pune city president of the NCP. In the 2024 Assembly elections, he contested from Hadapsar on an NCP ticket but narrowly lost by approximately 7,000 votes to former associate Chetan Tupe.
With Jagtap’s induction, the Congress gains a seasoned urban leader with deep organisational experience in Pune. After joining the party, he pledged to continue working toward building an egalitarian society inspired by the progressive ideals of Shivaji, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar.
“The fight for constitutional values and social harmony continues today under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. As a Congress worker, I will contribute with full strength to this struggle,” Jagtap said.
Before his resignation, Jagtap had consulted senior leader Supriya Sule and also considered contesting as an Independent. Political analysts observe that his victory despite switching parties reinforces his personal credibility and highlights the Congress’s renewed focus on strengthening its urban leadership in Pune.
