Pune: The Pune municipal elections took an interesting turn after a husband-wife duo from the politically influential Pathare family entered the fray on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tickets, even as senior family member and sitting MLA Bapusaheb Pathare, continued with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP.Surendra Pathare and his wife, Aishwarya, have been named BJP candidates from adjoining wards in the Wadgaon Sheri Assembly constituency. Surendra will contest from ward 4 (Kharadi–Wagholi), while Aishwarya is in the race from ward 3 (Vimannagar–Lohegaon–Wagholi). Further expanding the family’s political presence, Surendra’s cousin Trupti Bharane has also been fielded by the BJP from ward 4.
The development has sparked political speculation, particularly as Bapusaheb Pathare remains the only MLA of NCP (SP) in Pune. With his son and daughter-in-law contesting on the BJP’s lotus symbol, there is growing discussion about the party’s ‘tutari’ symbol potentially losing ground in parts of his own constituency. Sources within the NCP (SP) have indicated unease over the developments.Surendra is known locally for his social initiatives through an NGO, while Aishwarya, an entrepreneur, has been active in women-focused programmes.A senior BJP leader from east Pune said, “Their candidature is part of the BJP’s effort to consolidate its position in eastern Pune.”Responding to the developments, Bapusaheb said, “My son is capable of making independent decisions. He is free to decide his future.”Party insiders said the MLA is expected to formally campaign for his party’s candidates while keeping channels open across political lines, a strategy he has adopted in the past.
