India, Jan. 8 -- Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections have gained added political significance as city unit presidents of nearly all major parties contest from different wards, turning the civic polls into a test of leadership and organisational strength.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Pune city president Dheeraj Ghate from Ward No. 27 (Navi Peth-Parvati), highlighting the party's confidence in its grassroots network. Closely associated with the RSS, Ghate is seen as having a stronghold in Navi Peth. "I am not just campaigning for myself but for other party candidates too," he said.

The Congress has nominated city president Arvind Shinde from Ward No. 13 (Pune Station-Jai Jawan Nagar), aiming to revive its ...