According to the district administration, NCP (SP)’s Shrikant Patil and Independent candidates Sunil Tingre, Tushar Kamthe, Pradip Kand and Ranjeet Jare withdrew their nomination papers.

“I thank everyone for making this election unopposed. Though there will be no contest, I will continue to reach out to all voters and understand their expectations and concerns so that I can represent them effectively,” Kakade said.

Patil said his decision to withdraw followed a request from deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar. According to him, NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar left the final decision to him.

“Sunetra Pawar requested Sharad Pawar saheb to withdraw our candidature. Pawar saheb told me that he would stand by whatever decision I took. Considering my close association with Ajit Dada, I decided to withdraw my nomination,” Patil said.

Kakade, considered close to Jay Pawar and Parth Pawar, was fielded by the Ajit Pawar-led NCP for the prestigious Pune seat. He is the son of former Rajya Sabha member and businessman Sanjay Kakade, who recently joined the NCP along with his son.

The development, however, triggered criticism from the Congress, a constituent of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Pune City Congress president Prashant Jagtap accused NCP (SP) of betraying its alliance partners by withdrawing from the contest.

“Despite the Congress having greater numerical strength among voters, the MVA collectively decided to allow the NCP (SP) to contest this election. The decision of the party’s candidate to withdraw his nomination amounts to a betrayal of the alliance,” Jagtap said.