Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar's NCP Factions Unite for Upcoming Elections

In a significant political move, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar have announced that their factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will unite for the upcoming district council and panchayat committee elections in Maharashtra. This decision comes after both factions faced a disappointing defeat in the recent Pune Municipal Corporation elections. The collaboration aims to strengthen their position in the upcoming elections scheduled for February 5, with discussions already underway to ensure a cohesive strategy. Speculations about a potential reunification of the factions have emerged, although leaders have clarified that the focus remains on the elections rather than a merger.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 17, 2026, 15:34 IST

NCP Factions to Collaborate in District Council Elections

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, along with his uncle Sharad Pawar, has confirmed that their respective factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will join forces for the upcoming district council and panchayat committee elections. This announcement was made on Saturday by a leader from the NCP (SP) faction, following a disappointing performance in the Pune Municipal Corporation elections where both factions faced a significant defeat. Traditionally, this municipal body has been a stronghold for the Pawar family, but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to surprise both NCP factions.

In the municipal elections, the BJP secured victory in 119 out of 165 seats, while the NCP (Andhra Pradesh) managed to win only 27 seats, and the NCP (SP) secured a mere three seats. Shashikant Shinde, the head of the Maharashtra unit of NCP (SP), confirmed that both factions will collaborate for the district council and panchayat committee elections scheduled for February 5. He mentioned that discussions had taken place between the two sides, and they plan to contest elections together in 12 district councils. Additionally, they will consider a harmonious election process if necessary.

Shinde also stated that the NCP (SP) would review its performance in the municipal elections to formulate its future strategy. He met with party leader Sharad Pawar at an agricultural exhibition in Baramati, Pune, after which a meeting was held at Pawar's residence with senior leaders from both factions, including Ajit Pawar, MP Supriya Sule, MLA Rohit Pawar, Jayant Patil, and the state's Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne.

This meeting has sparked speculation about a potential reunification of the two NCP factions. However, Shinde clarified that the discussions did not revolve around any merger. He emphasized that the focus was on the upcoming district council and panchayat committee elections, and both factions agreed to contest together.