Thanking senior party leaders and the Shiv Sena, the BJP and the Congress, Nikam said, “After a long time, the standing committee chairman has been elected unopposed. Now, we will focus on key issues like traffic management, water supply and sewage treatment plants to minimise river pollution. For the city’s development, we will keep aside political differences.”

The Congress said it pulled out after a national-level decision between Congress and the NCP on a pre-election alliance.

“By withdrawing the candidature of the Congress member, we have followed the coalition dharma. Now, it is up to the NCP to decide on the future of the Pune Pattern,” said Ulhas Bagul, Congress leader at the PMC.

Congress corporator Rashid Shaikh said, “It is good that a sincere person like Nikam is given an opportunity to be at the helm of affairs at the standing committee.” Last month, the Congress had supported the NCP to snatch all budgetary powers from then chairman and Shiv Sena corporator Shyam Deshpande. This move had created a furore and the Sena had to fight to regain its authority.