Will NCP factions join forces for Pune civic polls on different symbols?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a groundbreaking political move, the rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party have decided to contest Pune municipal elections together while maintaining their unique symbols. This strategic alliance aims to enhance their electoral strength against the BJP, marking a significant shift from previous electoral strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The NCP factions are collaborating for municipal elections.
- They will contest on separate symbols.
- Local party workers' sentiments influenced this decision.
- The alliance aims to challenge the BJP more effectively.
- Reactions from other political parties vary.
Pune, Dec 29 (NationPress) In a noteworthy political shift, NCP-SP legislator Rohit Pawar announced on Monday that the two opposing factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will collaborate for the forthcoming Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections.
This local-level agreement signifies a change from their approach in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, where they had competed against each other.
Rohit Pawar’s declaration followed a day after NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated during a campaign rally that both the Ajit Pawar faction and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP would unite for the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections.
Speaking to the media, Rohit Pawar explained that this decision was made in accordance with the “sentiments and wishes of local party workers,” who believed that collaborating would streamline the electoral process at the civic level. He clarified that Sharad Pawar was not directly involved in the decision-making, although he emphasized that the opinions of grassroots workers should take precedence in municipal elections.
He confirmed that the two factions will not merge or run on a single election symbol. Instead, candidates will use their respective symbols: the ‘Clock’ for the Ajit Pawar faction and the ‘Tutari’ (Trumpeter) for the Sharad Pawar faction, with seats allocated to them accordingly.
Rohit Pawar noted that the primary goal of this collaboration is to consolidate the Marathi and traditional NCP vote base, enabling a stronger challenge against the BJP in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad regions.
Earlier, Ajit Pawar, during a high-energy campaign meeting in Pimpri on Sunday, alleged that a “ring” of vested interests was functioning within the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, leading to excessive and unaccounted expenditures.
He also raised alarms regarding alleged illegal land occupations in the Kudulwadi area.
Meanwhile, the agreement between the two NCP factions has elicited mixed reactions in the political arena.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut did not seem to welcome this development.
The Congress party sharply criticized the alliance, announcing that it has formed a partnership with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections.
Point of View
The decision of the NCP factions to collaborate reflects a strategic shift aimed at consolidating their voter base against the BJP. While this could enhance their chances in local elections, it also raises questions about their long-term unity and electoral strategies.
NationPress
29/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason for the NCP factions to collaborate?
The primary reason is to consolidate the Marathi and traditional NCP vote base to strengthen their challenge against the BJP in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad regions.
Will the NCP factions merge for the elections?
No, the factions will not merge and will contest on their respective symbols.
What symbols will the NCP factions use in the elections?
The Ajit Pawar faction will use the ‘Clock’ symbol, while the Sharad Pawar faction will contest with the ‘Tutari’ (Trumpeter) symbol.
What were the sentiments of local party workers regarding this collaboration?
Local party workers felt that contesting together would facilitate a smoother electoral process at the civic level.
How have other political parties reacted to this alliance?
The Congress party has reacted sharply by announcing an alliance with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections.
