India, Jan. 20 -- The process for electing the next mayor of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will formally begin on Thursday when the state government's urban development department (UDD) draws lots to decide the reservation category for the post. The mayoral election will mark the first major political milestone in PMC's new term, setting the tone for governance and power-sharing in the civic body.

In PMC, the mayor's post was for the open category in 2017. This time, the category will be decided through the draw, which is being keenly watched by corporators across party lines, particularly senior leaders who see the mayoral post as a key political stepping stone.

The lottery will be held in Mumbai in the presence of minister of state...