Pune BJP Gains Momentum Ahead of Civic Polls as Dilip Barate and Abhijit Shivarkar Join Party
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 27th December 2025: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its political outreach ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, delivering another setback to rival parties in the third phase of inductions. Former NCP deputy mayor Dilip Barate and former corporator Abhijit Shivarkar, son of senior Congress leader and former minister Balasaheb Shivarkar, formally joined the BJP on Saturday.
The induction ceremony took place in the presence of Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol. BJP MLA Sunil Kamble, election in-charge Ganesh Bidkar, city president Dhiraj Ghate and Minister of State Dilip Kamble were also present.
With the civic polls approaching, the BJP has stepped up efforts to bring former corporators and office-bearers from opposition parties into its fold. Political circles in Pune have been abuzz following these developments. In the first two phases, seven former corporators had joined the BJP. The induction of two more leaders on Friday has further added to the concerns of opposition parties.
Former corporator from the Warje area, Dilip Barate, clarified his position during the event, stating that he would not contest the upcoming elections himself. “I have joined the BJP to support my nephew, Bharatbhushan Barate,” he said. Notably, two other former corporators from the same ward, Sachin Dodke and Sayali Wanjale, have already joined the BJP, strengthening the party’s position in Warje.
Abhijit Shivarkar, who served as a corporator between 2007 and 2012, said his return to active politics marked the end of a long hiatus. Taking an indirect swipe at the Congress, he said, “My 14-year political exile has ended. I have joined the BJP to work for the overall development of Wanowrie. My father continues to remain with the Congress.”
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol said the BJP’s strength in Pune had increased further with the latest inductions. “Barate and Shivarkar will be given full respect within the party. The BJP’s list of candidates for the civic polls will be announced tomorrow,” Mohol said.
