In Wadgaon Sheri, Surendra Pathare, a gold-medallist from College of Engineering, Pune, and his wife, Aishwarya, have emerged as prominent contenders. Both hold BTech degrees. In aWagholi’s Ward No 4, investment banker Anil Kumar Mishra is contesting.Campaigns of all these aspirants reflect a professional outlook shaped by work in infrastructure, data systems, finance and urban services. They focus on measurable outcomes, smart governance and efficient service delivery — a mindset shaped outside the traditional political realm.Uttekar is standing as an Independent. His entry into politics stems from frustration, rather than ambition. “Poor infrastructure and lack of cleanliness cannot be ignored any longer. After living in the Cantonment area and travelling abroad, I realised how far behind we are. Footpaths are encroached, while cycling infrastructure and streets feel unsafe. I wanted to solve these problems myself as PMC ignores complaints,” he said.Meanwhile, the Pathare couple has emerged as prominent figures, fortify the trend of professionals stepping into politics. Aishwarya, Wadgaon Sheri MLA Bapu Pathare’s daughter-in-law, said, “My entry is largely by chance, since I am married into a family with a long political legacy. I managed the back-end of my father-in-law’s campaign. Today, responsibility is gradually passing to the younger generation.“Aishwarya is the founder of a multinational software company and has previously worked with Facebook and Nissan Motors Corporation’s global headquarters in Japan. She set up her own company in 2020. “What distinguishes my approach is my entrepreneurial mindset of building from the ground up, solution-oriented approach and a strong sense of professionalism, respecting timelines, accountability and commitments.“In Wanowrie-Salunkhe Vihar Ward No 18, tech professional Uttung Kale quit his job in a leading software company in Hinjewadi to enter the fray as an Independent. He has been campaigning for the last three months. “I quit my job because complaining from the sidelines was not enough. Roads, drainage, water supply and public safety need focused attention. Residents deserve accountability at the ward level,” he said.Mishra, who moved to Pune from Uttar Pradesh in 2013, is also contesting as an Independent after he quit his corporate job in Nov last year. His campaign focuses on a single persistent issue. “The eastern part of the city has struggled for basic drinking water. Nothing has changed since 1997. Kharadi and Wagholi residents have suffered for years,” he said. “I have been voicing my opinions on the problem for a decade and received strong support from people. I decided to contest with citizen backing to change the situation by 2027.”In the Shivaji Nagar-Model Colony belt, Ward No 12, BJP candidate Nivedita Ekbote is principal of the Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce. She highlights management-driven governance. “I am contesting to bring development and apply my professional background to improve the ward. I see my management education as an asset, to help bring change through structured planning, technology, and efficient delivery of civic services.”
