Maharashtra CM Discusses Potential Alliance Between NCP Factions
Future of NCP Factions Under Discussion
Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has stated that he does not rule out the possibility of a future alliance between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar. However, he characterized their current agreements in certain municipal bodies as limited and local in nature. Fadnavis emphasized that they are merely contesting elections as two separate parties and have not officially merged. This situation is a local development where leaders from both sides are attempting to present a united front to maintain support among their followers.
Comments on Upcoming Municipal Elections
While addressing the media on the last day of campaigning for the municipal elections scheduled for January 15, Fadnavis was questioned about the Sharad Pawar-Ajit Pawar alliance in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. He reiterated that the two factions are only collaborating in a few municipal corporations and have not merged formally. Responding to allegations of corruption frequently made by Ajit Pawar against the NCP, Fadnavis remarked that the Deputy Chief Minister has not adhered to the commitment of 'friendly competition.'
Understanding the Political Landscape
During his interaction with journalists in Pune, Fadnavis referred to an agreement among the Mahayuti parties, which stipulates that personal attacks should be avoided. Despite being part of the ruling coalition in the state, Ajit Pawar has chosen to ally with his uncle Sharad Pawar's NCP for the local elections in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, distancing himself from the BJP and Shiv Sena.
Ajit Pawar, the guardian minister for Pune district, informed a news agency that local residents are grappling with issues related to the tanker mafia.
Allegations of Corruption in PMC
In an interview, Ajit Pawar alleged that there are pending bills amounting to approximately ₹4,000 crores across various departments in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). He highlighted several instances of cost manipulation, including a road project that was supposed to cost ₹70 lakhs but was inflated to ₹7 crores, and the cost of the corporation's software skyrocketing from ₹12 crores to ₹120 crores.