Pune, Jan 16 (NationPress) In a substantial political setback for Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his faction of the NCP has suffered a comprehensive defeat in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections. This loss not only disrupts his plans to challenge the BJP on familiar ground but also compels him to adopt a more subservient position within the Mahayuti alliance.

Following his split from the NCP, Ajit Pawar had fostered a relatively harmonious relationship with the BJP, unlike the frequent conflicts involving Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the saffron party. However, when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the BJP's intent to run independently in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad elections, Pawar altered his approach.

In a surprising decision, he forged a local alliance with Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP. This dual approach—partnering with the BJP at the state level while collaborating with their adversaries locally—has spectacularly backfired.

Despite rigorous campaigning and high-profile commitments, including complimentary bus and Metro travel, the electorate in both locations overwhelmingly dismissed Ajit Pawar’s leadership. In Pune, the NCP experienced a complete debacle, while in Pimpri-Chinchwad, despite aspirations to gain control in this industrial area, the BJP effectively dismantled the NCP’s presence, delivering a devastating blow to the Deputy CM.

The aggressive campaign tactics have strained relations among alliance partners. During various rallies, Ajit Pawar accused the current municipal administration, led by the BJP, of corruption, which incited a fierce backlash. State BJP President Ravindra Chavan recently expressed regret over the alliance, stating that the party 'wished they hadn’t brought Ajit Pawar on board.'

With the NCP failing to secure a majority in any of the 29 municipal corporations in the state, their chances of obtaining a Mayoral position are virtually nonexistent. Analysts suggest the BJP may now concentrate on further undermining Pawar’s political stature.

Political speculation is rife regarding Ajit Pawar's next steps. He currently has two options: he might contemplate breaking ties with the BJP, though this would be a perilous move given the BJP’s dominance at both state and national levels. Alternatively, he may choose to remain within the Mahayuti government while accepting a reduced role and operating under the BJP's influence to maintain his political survival.

Given the prevailing situation, observers believe the Deputy CM is likely to opt for the latter, as confronting the BJP could have dire political repercussions.