NCP Factions Fail to Unite for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Elections
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is facing challenges in forming an alliance for the upcoming Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections. Despite multiple meetings between factions led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, disagreements over candidate symbols have hindered progress. While talks are ongoing, the political landscape remains tense as both factions consider their options ahead of the elections. The situation is further complicated by recent shifts within the party and the implications for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. As developments unfold, other political parties are closely observing the NCP's next moves.
| Dec 27, 2025, 16:51 IST
NCP's Attempt at Alliance Falls Short
The two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have not succeeded in forming an alliance for the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections. Both the faction led by Ajit Pawar and the NCP-SP alliance expressed interest in contesting the local body elections together, leading to several meetings among senior leaders from both sides in recent days. However, the NCP insisted that all candidates from the NCP-SP run under its 'clock' symbol, a condition that was not acceptable to the Sharad Pawar faction. Sources indicate that the NCP-SP informed the Ajit Pawar faction that their candidates would only contest under their 'turahi' symbol.
Ongoing Negotiations Despite Differences
Despite the lack of consensus, sources believe that discussions between the factions will continue. Notably, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar met with NCP-SP leader Azam Pansare on Friday night to discuss the possibility of an alliance. Pansare mentioned that it had been a while since Ajit Pawar visited him, and they discussed various issues. He stated, 'We want to form an alliance (between NCP, SP, and NCP)... He informed me that a decision will be made soon.'
Implications for Upcoming Elections
Following the entry of Ajit Pawar and several other leaders into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a split occurred within the NCP. Subsequently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) recognized Ajit Pawar's faction as the real NCP and granted it the original 'clock' symbol. Nevertheless, both parties are reconsidering an alliance for the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections. In light of this potential coalition, Congress has stated that it is monitoring recent developments in Maharashtra and would welcome Sharad Pawar's decisions. Similarly, the Shiv Sena-UBT led by Uddhav Thackeray has issued a comparable statement.