Mumbai, Dec 28 (NationPress) In a noteworthy turn of events in Maharashtra's political landscape, the two opposing factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have opted to collaborate for the upcoming Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections set for January 15, 2026.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar made the announcement on Sunday, stating that this alliance aims to avert a division of votes.

Political analysts suggest that this decision stems from local political dynamics and the necessity to unify traditional support bases.

While officially kicking off the election campaign, Ajit Pawar confirmed that both NCP factions will run together in the PCMC elections. This announcement follows unsuccessful negotiations between the two factions regarding the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, primarily over the choice of poll symbols. Ajit Pawar had insisted that NCP-SP candidates should run on the NCP’s ‘Clock’ symbol, while NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar maintained that his faction would contest under its new ‘Trumpet’ symbol.

Pimpri-Chinchwad has long been a bastion for the undivided NCP. However, after the split in 2023, the BJP made significant advances within the civic body. This proposed alliance is perceived as an effort to reclaim lost ground in this industrial area, often referred to as an “eco-hub”.

Recently, Sharad Pawar faction MP Amol Kolhe and legislator Rohit Pawar met with Ajit Pawar to explore the possibility of a local understanding between the factions. NCP-SP leader Ankush Kakade and MP Supriya Sule have also indicated that despite their organizational split, both factions still share the same ideological foundation rooted in the legacies of Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, making collaboration at the local level viable for the city's benefit.

This alliance signifies a shift from the state-level Mahayuti alliance that includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Ajit Pawar has reportedly expressed concerns regarding the BJP's incorporation of local NCP leaders, prompting a strategic adjustment at the municipal level.

As discussions continue, uncertainty remains over whether candidates will run on the ‘Clock’ symbol from Ajit Pawar's faction or the ‘Trumpet’ symbol from Sharad Pawar's faction. Reports indicate that Ajit Pawar prefers a unified symbol for all candidates, while the Sharad Pawar camp insists on maintaining its distinct identity.

This proposed alliance has also caused discomfort among certain local leaders. Former NCP-SP Pune president Prashant Jagtap recently resigned from the party and joined Congress, citing that he and others had spent two years building a base to oppose the Ajit Pawar faction.

Analysts suggest that if the alliance comes to fruition, it could significantly reshape the electoral dynamics within PCMC and compel other opposition parties to re-evaluate their strategies. Additionally, it may complicate seat-sharing discussions within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), as Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) would have to navigate a consolidated NCP presence rather than contend with two competing factions.

During a public gathering in Pimpri, Deputy Chief Minister Pawar criticized the BJP-led civic administration, alleging financial mismanagement and administrative shortcomings within PCMC. He claimed that inflated project costs, including the Jackwell project, along with issues related to illegal land occupation, have negatively impacted the city’s finances.

He further accused the BJP of straying from the original purpose of certain spiritual and cultural institutions, alleging they are being operated for profit.

Pawar also raised questions regarding the corporation’s financial status, stating that a civic body that was once debt-free is now encumbered by loans. He alleged irregularities in water distribution and protection extended to vested interests.

Meanwhile, the BJP has intensified its campaign with the slogan “Abki baar, 125 paar”, expressing confidence in securing a decisive victory in the corporation.

In response to these allegations, NCP leader Yogesh Behl accused the BJP of political hubris and alleged attempts to pressure leaders from rival parties. He stated that the electoral outcomes will ultimately be determined by the voters and cautioned against making hasty predictions.