Pune: Ward No. 5 covering Wadgaon Sheri-Kalyaninagar areas of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Sunday saw politicians and candidates from BJP and NCP take to the streets on their mutually exclusive campaign trails turning to voters with folded hands and promises of a better future.Residents of the area woke up to BJP’s padayatra led by a four-member panel comprising former corporator and former standing committee chairman Yogesh Mulik, Narayan Galande and candidates Shweta Galande and Kavita Galande.It all began at 8am from Yashwantnagar, with Mulik at the head of the group. Galande, who switched to BJP from the NCP some two weeks ago, also joined in. The pair itself was a talking point for many. Galande had once fought against Mulik, but they walked shoulder-to-shoulder on Sunday — signalling a new political alignment. Shweta and Kavita completed the group.The participants stopped for breakfast at a local spot and sat down with residents. The informal setting quickly led to a civic discussion. Several women raised issues of erratic water supply — describing how households are forced to stay alert throughout the day to store water. The candidates agreed and assured follow-up activities.The group moved to Sai Krupa society and Vitthalnagar, the two being among the oldest pockets of the ward. The panel members shook hands with people, many of whom opened their homes to the politicians. Many women stood waiting and performed aarti of the candidates. Mulik introduced other members to a gathering and stressed that the strength of a team depended on equal gender representation.A senior citizen from the area told Mulik: “You have improved Wadgaon Sheri over the years. Just continue the work and don’t let it slow down.” The BJP’s slogans echoed as the rally progressed towards Indian Education Society and the lanes of Kamalnagar and Jawale Complex.A young voter flagged everyday problems. “Roads need urgent repairs and traffic is impossible to navigate,” he said. The panel agreed and told residents that these issues would be prioritised.Mulik told voters that during his tenure as standing committee chairman, substantial funds were channelled to Pune’s eastern suburbs and translated into visible development. “The momentum will continue,” he added.As dusk came, NCP members countered the BJP’s morning rally with one of their own in Wadgaon Sheri. The NCP rally was energetic, and members banked on experience and grassroots connection. The slogans were loud and unity visible.The NCP’s rally started from the Bhairavnath Mandir, where the panel sought blessings before stepping into the streets. Former corporator Sunita Galande led the walk which was joined by Sandip Jarhad, who recently switched from the BJP to the NCP after being denied a ticket.Rupali Galande walked alongside them. The presence of veteran politician Sachin Bhagat, a Shiv Sena corporator from 2002 till the last elected term in 2017, drew particular attention. An old-timer and a familiar face in Wadgaon Sheri, Bhagat’s participation added weight to the rally.The rally then passed through the bustling vegetable market at Anand Park, where shoppers paused mid-purchase to greet the candidates. Party flags bearing the NCP’s clock symbol were waved. The trail continued to Swami Samarth Mandir and Somnathnagar before concluding at Raje Shiv Chhatrapati Garden.Along the route, residents shook hands, shared concerns and offered words of encouragement to the panel members. A middle-aged shopkeeper said, “We want leaders who are accessible. This team understands the area and its problems.” A woman of Somnathnagar said, “Water and cleanliness are everyday problems here. We hope the party will fix it.”Sunita addressed supporters: “Wadgaon Sheri has always trusted leaders who work on the ground. We are committed to resolving basic civic issues on fast-track with honesty.”Bhagat said, “I have seen the ward grow over decades. With experience and youth together, we will ensure development that people can actually feel.”The rallies in Ward No 5 have signalled a high-voltage contest ahead of the polls. The clash between BJP and NCP promises to be interesting.
