In a move that surprised both rivals and political observers, the BJP altered its candidate selection on the final day of nominations. Amid widespread speculation that Surendra Pathare would contest from Ward No. 3, he made a last-minute decision to replace himself with his wife, Aishwarya Pathare. This strategic shift unsettled opposition calculations and ultimately proved decisive. Significantly, all four BJP candidates from Ward No. 3 emerged victorious, underlining the party’s complete dominance in the ward.
Until the eleventh hour, Surendra Pathare was widely expected to enter the fray himself. However, taking into account local social dynamics, the growing influence of women voters, and the long-term objective of nurturing future leadership, he chose to step aside and back Aishwarya Pathare. The election results decisively validated this calculated move.
During the campaign, Aishwarya Pathare focused on governance and deliverables rather than rhetoric. She presented a clear development roadmap for the Lohgaon and Viman Nagar areas, addressing critical civic issues such as road infrastructure, water supply, waste management, and traffic congestion. A key highlight of her campaign was the announcement of a 100-day action plan outlining specific projects to be initiated immediately after assuming office, which resonated strongly with voters seeking accountability and efficiency.
Women-centric issues formed a central pillar of the BJP’s campaign in the ward. Aishwarya Pathare and her party colleagues released a separate manifesto dedicated to women, focusing on safety, healthcare, employment opportunities, self-reliance, and access to basic civic amenities. This targeted outreach played a crucial role in consolidating women’s support across the constituency.
The Lohgaon–Viman Nagar belt, known for its large population of highly educated IT professionals, also emerged as a strong support base. An engineering graduate from MIT with professional experience in leading IT companies in India and abroad, Aishwarya Pathare was able to establish a strong connection with young voters and working professionals. Her campaign directly addressed the everyday civic challenges faced by IT employees, particularly those arising from long working hours and rapid urbanisation.
Political analysts note that Surendra Pathare’s long-standing grassroots presence, organisational strength, and deep understanding of local issues were instrumental in translating strategy into votes. His ability to balance traditional local networks with the aspirations of a modern, urban electorate proved critical to the BJP’s sweeping success.
Overall, a combination of a clear development vision, focused outreach to women and IT voters, and Surendra Pathare’s precise strategic planning resulted in a one-sided verdict in Ward No. 3. Aishwarya Pathare’s emphatic victory is being seen as a significant milestone and a potential turning point in Pune’s local political landscape.
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