As elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) draw closer, signs of political realignment are emerging across Maharashtra. While the Thackeray brothers are set to announce their reunion
today, the two rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are also exploring a possible tie-up, particularly for the Pune civic elections.
Though senior leaders have chosen their words carefully, statements from both camps suggest that a reunion is increasingly likely.
NCP Ajit Pawar faction open to joint contest
A clear signal came from the Ajit Pawar faction. In an interview to NDTV, party spokesperson Suraj Chavan said that a joint contest with Sharad Pawar’s NCP in Pune was possible.
“If someone has a problem with us coming together, it means they want to push their own political agenda,” he said. “Wherever possible, we will fight together.”
However, he added that local conditions would play a role in final decisions, indicating that the alliance may not be uniform across all wards.
Senior leader Sunil Tatkare of the Ajit Pawar faction avoided making a firm commitment. He said Ajit Pawar was currently in Pune, meeting probable candidates, and that discussions would continue.
“Things will be clearer soon,” Tatkare told reporters, suggesting that a formal announcement was still pending.
NCP Sharad Pawar camp signals approval
From the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), senior leader Ankush Kakade confirmed that both factions had held a meeting in Pune and agreed in principle to contest the civic polls together.
He said three leaders from each side attended the meeting and that detailed discussions had taken place. However, he added that consultations with other party colleagues were still underway.
BMC strategy within MVA
State NCP-SP chief Shashikant Shinde said the party had decided to contest the BMC elections as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). He confirmed ongoing talks with Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), while ruling out any engagement with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.
“There are some differences over specific seats,” Shinde said, adding that another meeting would be held to resolve them.
The possible alliance has not gone down well with Pune unit chief Prashant Jagtap. He held a long meeting with Supriya Sule and Shashikant Shinde to discuss his concerns.
Sources said Jagtap preferred contesting the Pune Municipal Corporation polls strictly under the MVA banner. A final decision is expected soon, with Supriya Sule likely to meet the party unit before making an announcement.
Congress and Sena react
Ajit Pawar has also reached out to Congress leader Satej Patil to explore a limited tie-up in Pune. Patil confirmed receiving the call and said discussions were ongoing.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expressed discomfort over the developments. “We will speak to Sharad Pawar on this,” he said, questioning Ajit Pawar’s political alignments.
The Pune Municipal Corporation, with 165 seats, is the largest civic body in Maharashtra. Leaders from both NCP factions said a formal alliance announcement could come within the next two days.
