Republican Party (Aathawale) Dissolves Pune City Committee Amid Plans for Reorganization

Pune, May 7 – In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, the Pune city committee of the Republican Party of India (A), led by Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, has been officially dissolved. The decision was taken during a specially convened committee meeting chaired by Pune city president Sanjay Sonawane.

This move signals a major restructuring strategy by the party, as it seeks to strengthen its organizational presence in the city and gear up for the civic polls expected later this year.

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Committee Dissolved to Pave Way for Fresh Leadership

The decision to dissolve the current city unit comes as part of a larger effort to revamp the party’s local machinery. Sanjay Sonawane, who presided over the meeting, confirmed the dissolution and stated that a new committee will be announced within the next 15 days.

“Looking at the changing political landscape and with an eye on the forthcoming municipal elections, it was collectively decided to dissolve the existing Pune city committee. We will soon reconstitute it with fresh faces and a stronger team under my leadership,” said Sonawane, addressing reporters after the meeting.

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Emphasis on Organizational Strength Before Civic Elections

The Republican Party (A) aims to make a stronger mark in the Pune civic elections, and the dissolution of the existing committee is being seen as a proactive move to prepare for electoral success. The party leadership believes that a restructured team with dynamic grassroots workers and new energy will be better positioned to connect with voters.

According to Sonawane,

“This is not a decision against any individual. It is a strategic step to ensure better coordination, visibility, and voter outreach ahead of PMC elections.”

The emphasis on internal consolidation also indicates the party’s desire to gain traction among Dalit and underrepresented communities in Pune’s rapidly evolving political scene.

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Senior Party Leaders Present During the Announcement

The crucial meeting that led to the dissolution of the committee witnessed the participation of several senior party leaders and loyalists from different parts of the city. Among the prominent attendees were Parshuram Wadekar, Rohidas Gaikwad, Ashok Kamble, Ashok Shirole, Shailendra Chavan, Mohan Jagtap, Mahipal Waghmare, Basavraj Gaikwad, Shyam Sadafule, Rafique Dafedar, Mahendra Kamble, Bhagwan Gaikwad, Vasant Bansode, Himali Kamble, Mahadev Dandi, Balasaheb Jagtap, Viren Sathe, and Sandeep Dhandore.

Their unanimous agreement on the committee’s dissolution and the upcoming reorganization highlights a sense of unity within the local party framework.

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Political Strategy in Focus as Parties Gear Up for PMC Polls

The decision comes at a time when all major political parties in Pune are realigning their strategies in anticipation of the municipal elections. While BJP and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) have already begun ground-level work, the Republican Party (A) is now expected to follow suit with a renewed campaign and leadership team.

Political analysts believe that this move could be an attempt to boost the party’s visibility and relevance in urban constituencies where competition is expected to be fierce.

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New Appointments Expected Soon

Although no names have been officially declared yet, sources close to the party suggest that the upcoming appointments will include a mix of experienced hands and young leaders. Gender representation, community outreach, and booth-level mobilization are likely to be the focus areas during the selection of new committee members.

“We are looking for result-oriented individuals who can bring value to the party and establish deeper connect with citizens,” added Sonawane.

The new appointments will also likely reflect the party’s ambition to project itself as a modern, inclusive alternative in Pune’s political discourse.

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Citizens and Supporters Await the Next Step

The party’s supporters and local residents are now eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new committee. Given the challenges and opportunities presented by the urban electorate, the next leadership team will play a key role in shaping the party’s future in the city.

This organizational overhaul is seen not just as an internal party matter but as a reflection of how regional parties are adapting to the evolving political expectations of city voters.