Pune: BJP Corporator Raghavendra Mankar Elected Unopposed as Vishrambag Wada Ward Chairman

Pune, 21st April 2026: Bharatiya Janata Party corporator Raghavendra (Bappu) Mankar from Ward 25 was elected unopposed as the chairman of the Vishrambag Wada Ward Committee of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Tuesday. Soon after assuming office, Mankar announced that he would forgo the official vehicle allotted to the post and instead urged the civic administration to utilise the savings for the education of needy students.

The election process for chairpersons of all 15 ward committees under the Pune Municipal Corporation was conducted earlier in the day. During the process, Mankar, who represents the Shaniwar Peth–Mahatma Phule Mandai area, was elected unopposed to head the Vishrambag Wada Ward Committee.

After taking charge, Mankar said his tenure would focus on citizen-centric governance and prioritising public needs in decision-making.

In a notable move, Mankar declined the government-provided four-wheeler typically allotted to ward committee chairpersons. He submitted a written request to the administration, stating that the annual expenditure on the vehicle should be diverted through the Social Development Department towards supporting the education of underprivileged students.

Speaking on the decision, Mankar said that as a public representative, his goal is to serve citizens without availing unnecessary privileges funded by taxpayers’ money. The decision has drawn appreciation from various quarters, with many praising it as an example of responsible and people-centric leadership.