India, Dec. 30 -- With the deadline for filing nomination forms fast approaching and fears of rebellion simmering, political parties in Pune have adopted a cautious strategy by issuing AB forms directly to selected candidates instead of releasing official candidate lists.

On Monday, major parties, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), avoided public announcements and instead made personal phone calls to candidates and handed over AB forms, even as several sitting corporators were denied tickets and new faces were preferred. By Monday evening, no party had released its official list, with leaders closely watching each other's moves.

The BJP's decisions in Pune drew particular attention, with the party finalising nominations for Swarad...