Reports are emerging that the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) are likely to join forces for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections. This development could significantly alter the political landscape of Pune, where the Pawar family holds considerable influence.
Informal discussions between leaders of the two factions have reportedly been ongoing for several days. Hints of a potential alliance have been dropped by NCP (SP) Working President and Baramati MP Supriya Sule, as well as the party's state unit President Shashikant Shinde. A formal announcement of the alliance is expected soon.
However, the decision has not been without its detractors. NCP (SP) Pune unit President Prashant Jagtap has expressed unhappiness with the party's decision and has offered to resign in protest. Jagtap reportedly traveled to Mumbai to meet with Supriya Sule amid reports that he submitted his resignation, though Shinde stated he had not yet received it. Jagtap has consistently opposed any tie-up with the Ajit Pawar-led faction. Subhash Jagtap, Pune city unit chief from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, described recent meetings as "positive and constructive".
The potential alliance has also sparked reactions from other political players. Congress leader Satej Patil revealed that Ajit Pawar contacted him regarding a possible alliance for the PMC elections. Patil stated that the Congress is aiming to contest as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and has been in discussions with the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) for a possible alliance. Supriya Sule indicated openness to a tie-up and stated that any alliance decision would consider party workers and city development. She also noted a reported conversation between Ajit Pawar and Satej Patil, suggesting ongoing discussions between those parties.
The PMC elections are crucial, with over 3.48 crore voters eligible to vote for corporators across 29 civic bodies, including Mumbai, on January 15. The results of local body elections can be interpreted as a reflection of public sentiment and support for different political parties and alliances. Recently, Pune's municipal councils showcased diverse political histories, with Baramati remaining an NCP stronghold. In the recent local body elections, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP demonstrated its dominance in Pune district, securing the president's posts in 10 of 17 local bodies. The Mahayuti alliance (BJP+Shiv Sena+NCP) leads in a significant number of Pune district's municipal councils and panchayats.
The Pune Municipal Corporation elections for 2025-26 are approaching, with the civic administration finalizing 4,012 polling stations across 41 wards and activating the election machinery. The Election Department has appointed numerous officers and established dedicated election cells to ensure effective coordination. To simplify the process for candidates, PMC has launched a computerized system for issuing certificates and is working on further digitization. Security measures are also being implemented, with police personnel being deployed to maintain law and order.
