India, Jan. 20 -- The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections concluded last week, but the real political churn has only just begun. Lobbying for the mayor's post is now in full swing, with senior corporators and party leaders jostling for the top civic position. Though the mayor's tenure is limited, the post has long carried political weight in Pune.

Over the years, Pune has repeatedly shown that the mayor's chair often serves as a stepping stone to higher political office. Managing a city of Pune's size is no easy task. The mayor is expected to grapple with everyday civic issues that affect lakhs of residents-roads, traffic, water supply, garbage disposal, public transport, schools and hospitals. Leaders who navigate these challenge...