Pune ZP polls draw 598 candidates

Zilla Parishad elections return after nine years, with former leaders and new faces in fray

- Indu Bhagat

The Pune Zilla Parishad elections have gathered pace, with polling being held after a gap of nine years, triggering the return of several former and sitting members.

A total of 598 candidates have filed nominations for the election. The last date for withdrawal is Jan 27, after which the final picture of the contests will emerge. Counting of votes and declaration of results are scheduled for Feb 7. With seasoned leaders reentering the electoral arena alongside new faces, the contests are expected to be highly competitive. Several former chairpersons and office-bearers are contesting from different constituencies, making many of the fights prestigious and closely watched.