Pune: Merged Villages Poised for Strong PMC Representation: 19 Corporators Likely Across Seven Key Wards
Pune, 26th August 2025: The draft ward structure announced by the State Election Commission for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has paved the way for significant representation from newly merged villages. As per the proposed plan, 7 wards have a strong influence of these villages, with estimates suggesting that 18 to 19 corporators could be elected from these areas in the upcoming PMC polls.
Out of the 41 wards demarcated for the next election, three wards comprise only merged villages, while three others include a mix of the old PMC limits and newly added areas. As a result, some existing wards in the old city have been redrawn, forcing former corporators to scout for new constituencies.
The PMC elections have been delayed for over three years, but they are now likely to be held in January–February 2026. In the draft released, 41 wards will elect 165 corporators. In 2017, PMC had 40 wards with 160 corporators. Following the merger of 11 villages earlier and 23 more in 2021 (except Fursungi and Uruli Devachi, which were converted into separate councils), the total number of villages under PMC stands at 32.
Local leaders had been closely monitoring how these areas would be represented. Although there have been allegations of political maneuvering in the ward formation, the draft seems largely favorable for merged villages. Based on their population, it was expected that 16 to 18 corporators would be elected from these areas, and the new draft confirms this projection.
Ward-wise Representation Estimates
Ward 15 (Manjari Budruk–Sadesatranali), Ward 33 (Shivne–Khadakwasla), and Ward 41 (Mohammedwadi–Undri) – 12 corporators likely.
Ward 38 (Katraj–Ambegaon) – The only 5-member ward in the city, includes Narhe, Ambegaon (remaining areas), Mangdewadi, Bhilarewadi, and Jambhulwadi. At least 2 members could come from merged villages.
Ward 3 (Viman Nagar–Lohgaon) and Ward 4 (Kharadi–Wagholi) – Lohgaon and Wagholi each may elect 2 corporators.
Ward 9 (Sus–Baner–Pashan) – Sus village could have 1 representative.
Thus, a total of 19 corporators from merged villages across seven wards are expected.
Need for Prepared Candidates
Local leaders believe that corporators from merged villages can accelerate development in these areas, provided candidates are not confined to their villages alone but engage across entire wards. All political parties are being urged to nominate strong candidates with wider appeal, not just those known for flex banners and local visibility.
“PMC will have 165 corporators. Examining the draft structure, at least 16 to 19 corporators could be elected from the merged villages. This draft does justice to them. We had studied this earlier, and our findings have proven correct,” said Suhas Kulkarni, former Leader of Opposition, PMC.
