Ajit Pawar Hints at Alliance for Pune Municipal Elections

Potential Alliance for Pune Elections

Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, indicated on Saturday that his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) might form an alliance with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP for the upcoming Pune municipal elections. This development follows a recent coalition between the two factions for the Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections. When asked about the possibility of a reunion between the two NCP factions, the Deputy Chief Minister remarked, "May sweetness remain in your mouth." Voting for all municipal elections, including those in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, is scheduled for January 15, with the counting of votes to be conducted by the Maharashtra State Election Commission on January 16.

Reunion of NCP in Pimpri-Chinchwad

Last month, Sharad Pawar announced that both factions of the NCP would contest the Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections together. During an election rally on December 28 in Pimpri-Chinchwad, he stated that they have never engaged in the politics of defection and mentioned that both parties would soon reveal an agreement on seat sharing. He emphasized that the NCP and his faction have decided to run together in Pimpri-Chinchwad, suggesting that the family would reunite once again. Discussions regarding seat allocation have already taken place with local leaders, and an announcement is expected soon.

A Significant Political Shift?

Approximately two and a half years ago, Ajit Pawar, along with several other leaders, left the NCP to join the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. However, with the BJP's growing influence in the state, both factions of the NCP are attempting to curb the expansion of the saffron party at the grassroots level. This has led to speculation that this could be the first step towards a reunion. Nevertheless, Rohit Pawar, a leader from the NCP (SP) faction, stated that this reunion is limited to local body elections, as local workers have expressed this desire.