NCP's Shashikant Shinde Denies Coalition Talks Ahead of Municipal Elections in Maharashtra

In a recent statement, Shashikant Shinde, the head of the Maharashtra unit of the NCP, confirmed that there have been no coalition proposals exchanged with Ajit Pawar's faction ahead of the upcoming municipal elections. Scheduled for January 15, these elections will see 29 municipal bodies, including the BMC, participating. While discussions about a potential alliance have been circulating, Shinde emphasized ongoing negotiations with the Maha Vikas Aghadi allies. With 277 candidates applying for the Pune elections, the NCP is exploring various options as it prepares for the electoral battle.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 20, 2025, 11:33 IST

No Coalition Proposal Between NCP Factions

Shashikant Shinde, the president of the Maharashtra unit of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), stated on Friday that neither his faction nor the Ajit Pawar-led ruling NCP has proposed any coalition for the upcoming municipal elections.

The elections for 29 municipal bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are scheduled for January 15, with the counting of votes taking place the following day. Speculations had been circulating recently about a potential alliance between the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar's NCP for the local body elections.

The NCP (Shinde faction) is part of the opposition under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alongside Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, while the NCP, BJP, and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena form the ruling coalition known as the Mahayuti.

During a visit to the NCP (Shinde faction) office in the city, Shinde met with party officials. He mentioned, “Our party meeting in Pune today included candidates and officials for the elections.”

A total of 277 individuals have applied for the Pune municipal elections. Discussions about a possible alliance between the two factions of the NCP have been ongoing in recent days. However, the NCP (Shinde faction) is still negotiating with its allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to contest the elections. New allies, including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), are also willing to join forces.

He added, “There are several options available, but discussions are still ongoing. Everyone has the right to express their opinion. Currently, talks with the MVA are in progress. The core committee will discuss this by tomorrow, and a decision will be announced soon.”