Mission PCMC: ‘Merit Survey’ Puts Inactive BJP Veterans at Risk of Losing Tickets

Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections:
As the political atmosphere heats up ahead of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections, the BJP has created a major stir with its internal “Merit Survey” that reportedly sidelines many inactive senior leaders and former corporators.

According to highly placed sources, the party’s confidential assessment suggests that several veterans may lose their election tickets due to poor performance ratings.

Three surveys already completed; reports submitted directly to top leadership

Before the ward structure was finalized, the BJP conducted its first survey. A second survey was completed after the new ward boundaries were confirmed, and a third one was prepared after reservation lists were announced. All three reports have been submitted directly to the central leadership.

Insiders claim:

“Under merit-based ticket distribution, many senior leaders are almost certain to be dropped.”

This has intensified the ongoing “old vs new” conflict within the party. Newly joined aspirants are actively trying to secure tickets, while many former corporators and long-time party workers are increasingly dissatisfied.

Local BJP leaders have repeatedly said that “tickets will be given purely on merit”, leaving several ex-corporators in a state of anxiety.

Pressure on local MLAs and leaders

Since the survey has been conducted at the state level, senior leaders like MLA Shankar Jagtap, MLA Mahesh Landge, City President Shatrughan Kate, MLC Uma Khapre, and Amit Gorkhe are expected to lobby hard with party high command to ensure justice for their supporters.

Fourth and Final Survey Coming Soon; ‘Checklist’ Kept Highly Confidential

After three surveys, the BJP is now preparing for a fourth and final assessment. For this, a special “checklist” will be given to all aspirants.

Interestingly, this checklist is being kept secret—even major city leaders have not yet been fully briefed about it.

Aspirants will have to fill the form, and their chances of getting a ticket will depend not on which leader they support, but on their electability and performance parameters.

The entire survey process is being carried out by an independent third-party agency, ensuring that no local interference is possible.

BJP Raises Target: From 100+ to 110+ Seats

In the previous term, the BJP had 77 corporators. After a strong performance in the recent Assembly elections, the party is more confident and has set a new ambitious target of “110+ seats.”

This has boosted the morale of new entrants but has deepened uncertainty among senior leaders.

The strict and confidential Merit Survey has created a fog of tension within the party. Internal clashes over ticket distribution are likely to intensify in the coming days, suggesting that the real battle may be fought within the BJP itself, even before the civic election begins.