Mahayuti tensions resurface over Pune graduate, teacher constituency tickets

Political activity has picked up in Pune's teacher and graduate constituencies for the Maharashtra Legislative Council after the Election Commission announced the schedule for elections to five council constituencies, including Pune Graduates and Pune Teachers. Voting for the Pune division teacher and graduate constituencies will be held on October 23, 2026, with counting on October 27. The schedule has triggered discussion over who will get the ticket for the two Pune seats.

Mangesh Chivate is said to be keen on contesting from the Pune Teachers constituency, and has reportedly met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard. At the same time, the BJP has also been staking claim to these Pune division seats, bringing the ticket issue to the fore within the Mahayuti. While there is talk of the Mahayuti contesting the elections together, BJP minister Jaikumar Gore had earlier signalled that the BJP would field its own candidates on its symbol in both constituencies if the need arose. This has raised the possibility of differences among Mahayuti constituent parties over seat-sharing, with talk of a joint fight on one hand and indications of an independent BJP candidacy on the other complicating the Pune division seat-sharing puzzle further.

Against this backdrop, Bachchu Kadu has taken a suggestive stand on Mangesh Chivate's possible candidacy. Speaking at a health camp in Amravati, he specifically mentioned Chivate's work in patient care. Kadu is reported to have said, "The perseverance Mangesh Chivate has shown in patient care means he will not fail to become an MLA in the coming election." Citing this work, Kadu publicly extended his support to Chivate's candidacy.

Kadu also suggested that if Chivate does not get support and it comes to rebellion, they will not back down. "We are the emperors of rebellion," he warned directly. He made clear that they stand by a good person and do not care if leaders oppose it. The remarks are being seen as a clear warning from Kadu to Mahayuti leaders on the candidacy issue.

Meanwhile, discussions are still ongoing among Mahayuti constituent parties over candidates for the Pune division teacher and graduate constituency elections. Political circles are now watching who exactly gets the ticket from the Pune Teachers constituency, and whether Mahayuti parties will contest together or field separate candidates. With the election schedule announced, constituent parties in the Mahayuti will now have to reach a resolution on candidacies soon.