Ajit Pawar Poaches 9 Leaders in Pune Ahead of PMC Elections; BJP Announces Candidates

• Ajit Pawar's NCP faction gained 9 prominent leaders from BJP, MNS, Congress, and Shiv Sena factions in Pune within 12 hours.
• Key defections include BJP's Dhananjay Jadhav, Mukari Algude, Shankar Pawar, Madhukar Musale; Congress's Datta Bahirat; MNS's Jayraj Landge; and leaders from both Shiv Sena factions.
• This 'incoming' is considered a masterstroke by Ajit Pawar to gain dominance over the Pune Municipal Corporation.
• The entry of these leaders is expected to significantly change political equations in many important wards.
• BJP announced candidatures for Swarada Bapat (late Girish Bapat's daughter-in-law) and Kunal Tilak (late Mukta Tilak's son) from Ward No. 25.

Why It Matters: Ajit Pawar's faction strengthens significantly in Pune with 9 key defections ahead of PMC elections.