Pune: BJP Replaces Pooja More, Backs Independent Aditi Babar in Ward 2
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Vishrantwadi, 2nd January 2026: In a late shift in the run-up to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to support independent candidate Aditi Babar for Ward No. 2 (Phulenagar and Nagpur Chawl) after its earlier nominee withdrew amid internal dissent and social media controversy.
Pooja More-Jadhav, the BJP’s initial choice, faced strong opposition from party workers following the resurfacing of old online content that drew criticism for her past remarks. Facing mounting pressure, she stepped aside, prompting the party to reassess its candidate strategy for one of the city’s key wards.
Pune BJP President Dheeraj Ghate said the decision to back Babar came after consultations with senior leadership, with a focus on choosing a candidate with professional skills and local appeal ahead of the January 15 civic polls.
Addressing the media after her candidature was announced, Aditi Babar, who holds an MBA in Finance, described the endorsement as a pivotal opportunity. “I am thankful to the party leadership for their support. I filed as an independent candidate, but with the support I have received, I am confident I will win the seat,” she said. “I am grateful to Chief Minister Fadnavis and Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol for their confidence in me, despite my lack of political background.”
Babar also outlined her priorities if elected, saying the PMC needs stronger representation for segments often underrepresented in civic governance. “I want to represent youth and women within the corporation and focus on improving the education system,” she added.
The BJP’s decision to shift support to an independent reflects internal recalibrations as major parties reassess their ground strategies in Pune’s competitive urban landscape. With the civic polls approaching, the contest in Ward No. 2 is expected to be closely watched, particularly with a professional entrant like Babar now in the fray.
