Written by Ajay JadhavPune | January 1, 2026 12:39 AM IST 2 min readNCP (SP) legislator Bapu PathareThree family members of NCP (SP) legislator Bapu Pathare will be contesting the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, scheduled to be held on January 15, as BJP candidates.Pathare represents the Vadgaonsheri assembly constituency after he was elected in 2024. However, his son Surendra Pathare, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Pathare and his nephew’s wife Trupti Bharane have been fielded by the BJP in wards that fall in the Vadgaonsheri assembly constituency.Bapu Pathare began his political career in Congress but was elected to as a PMC corporator on an NCP ticket in 2007. Later, he became an MLA on an NCP ticket in 2009. He switched over to the BJP after losing to a party candidate in 2014.Ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Pathare joined the NCP(SP) and got elected to the state assembly once again. Since then, his entire family was with the NCP(SP).A few days ago, the BJP inducted Surendra in the party, who was seeking a party ticket from the NCP(SP). The BJP has fielded him for Kharadi-Wagholi ward and has also given candidature to Pathare’s daughter- in-law Aishwarya from the adjoining Vimannagar ward. Bharane will be contesting from Kharadi-Wagholi ward.“I am a legislator elected on an NCP(SP) ticket to the Maharashtra Assembly. My son and other family members are independent and capable to take their own decisions. I will not campaign for them as they are from rival parties,” said Bapu Pathare.Incidentally, the BJP is the main rival of NCP-NCP(SP) alliance in the PMC polls.Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read MoreClick here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:punePune Municipal Corporation (PMC)