Kadam Takes Charge as Congress Chief in PMC, Bidkar to Lead House
Pune: The Congress and BJP have appointed Ramchandra (Chandusheth) Kadam and Ganesh Bidkar as the leaders of their respective parties in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)’s newly elected house. Since the BJP is the largest party with 119 corporators, Bidkar will also serve as the leader of the house.
Kadam is a three-time corporator from Kothrud and a close relative of the late Congress politician Patangrao Kadam, who was a former cabinet minister. His political journey began in 2007 when he was nominated as a corporator, a role he held for five years. During this period, he established a strong base through his work and personal connections with the community.
Kadam contested his first PMC election in 2012 and emerged victorious, also helping a fellow female Congress candidate win her seat. He won again in 2017 and repeated his success in 2026. His consistent electoral wins are a testament to his popularity and commitment to the people of Kothrud.
Satej (Bunty) Patil, a former minister and Congress observer for Pune, met all 15 newly elected Congress corporators at Congress Bhavan to gauge their preferences for the party leader’s position. The meeting was crucial in ensuring that the chosen leader had the support and confidence of the party members.
On the other hand, Ganesh Bidkar, a corporator from the Kasba Peth-Somwar Peth areas, will lead the 119 BJP corporators. Bidkar has a rich history of service in the PMC, having previously served as the chairperson of the standing committee, the city improvement committee, and other panels. Despite losing in the 2017 election, the BJP appointed him as a co-opted member and the leader of the house, recognizing his dedication and experience.
Sopan (Kaka) Chavan has been appointed as the party leader of the NCP (SP), which has three corporators. This appointment ensures a balanced representation of all major parties within the PMC, fostering a collaborative and inclusive governance structure.
The new appointments are expected to bring stability and effective governance to the PMC, addressing the needs and concerns of the residents of Pune. Both Kadam and Bidkar have expressed their commitment to working for the betterment of the city and improving the quality of life for all citizens.
