The sudden surge in nominations came just a day before the December 30 deadline for filing papers. Officials noted that only 49 nominations had been received till December 28, indicating a last-minute rush by political parties and candidates to enter the electoral fray
Representational Image
Political activity intensified in Pune on Monday as 694 nomination papers were filed in a single day for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, election officials said. With this, the total number of nominations submitted so far has reached 743 across 15 Returning Officer offices in the city, reported news agency ANI.
The sudden surge in nominations came just a day before the December 30 deadline for filing papers. Officials noted that only 49 nominations had been received till December 28, indicating a last-minute rush by political parties and candidates to enter the electoral fray.
Several senior and prominent leaders submitted their nominations on Monday, signalling the formal entry of major political parties into the civic election battle. Shiv Sena leader Nana Bhangire filed his papers from Ward No. 41, BJP candidate Ganesh Bidkar from Ward No. 24, while Congress candidate Prashant Jagtap entered the contest from Ward No. 18, officials confirmed, reported ANI.
The PMC elections 2026 are being conducted as per directions of the State Election Commission, Maharashtra, for the election of 165 corporators from 41 wards. To facilitate the process, 15 Returning Officer offices have been established across Pune.
PMC elections 2026 sees sharp spike in nominations on deadline eve
Official data show that 10,307 nomination forms were sold between December 23 and December 27, while 1,449 forms were sold on December 29 alone. Among the offices, Bhavani Peth recorded the highest sale of nomination forms on Monday, whereas Yerwada-Kalas-Dhanori saw the lowest, reported ANI.
According to the election schedule, the last date for withdrawal of nominations is January 2, 2026, and the final list of candidates will be published on January 3, which will determine the exact number of contestants in each ward.
The PMC elections 2026 will be held on January 15, along with elections to 28 other municipal bodies in Maharashtra, with counting of votes scheduled for January 16.
Meanwhile, election authorities said Model Code of Conduct enforcement teams have been deployed across the city, and all arrangements are in place to ensure smooth scrutiny of nominations and the conduct of the elections in a free, fair and transparent manner, reported ANI.
(With inputs from ANI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
