The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Pimpri-Chinchwad has dismissed the impact of the recently formed alliance between the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions, expressing supreme confidence in securing a landslide victory in the upcoming municipal corporation elections. The party is ambitiously targeting to cross the 100-seat mark in the 128-member house.
BJP's Confidence and the "Abki Baar, 100 Paar" Slogan
Reacting to the unification of the NCP groups led by Sharad Pawar and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, BJP's Pimpri-Chinchwad president, Shatrughan Kate, stated that the opposition's move would not affect their prospects. The party is rallying behind the slogan "Abki Baar, 100 Paar" (This time, over 100), aiming to surpass its previous performance. In the 2017 Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections, the BJP had secured a brute majority of 78 seats and controlled the civic body until 2022.
"Let them unite and contest the elections against us. It will not make a difference to us," Kate told The Indian Express. He emphasized the party's strong local base and meticulous preparations, including fielding strong candidates. While acknowledging internal rebellion as a concern, he expressed confidence in managing it.
On the possibility of an alliance with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, Kate mentioned that discussions are ongoing and seat-sharing has not been finalized. He also clarified that there would be a direct contest with the NCP in the polls, contrary to any speculation of a friendly fight.
Candidate Selection and Assessment of Rivals
Another senior BJP leader from the region, Raju Durge, provided insights into the party's strategy. He revealed that candidates are being chosen strictly based on "elective merit" for the polls scheduled for January 15. Durge claimed the party is already confident about 70 candidates and is working to expand the list, potentially exceeding 100.
Durge downplayed the threat from the united NCP, suggesting the alliance was born out of weakness. "The two NCPs have come together because they know they won’t survive on the election turf. They have no strength to fight," he said. He predicted that Sharad Pawar's faction might not win a single seat, though he expected the combined NCP to win between 30 to 40 seats, similar to its 2017 tally of 36.
Addressing Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's recent allegations of corruption during the BJP's previous tenure in PCMC, Durge warned that the NCP would receive a "strong riposte" for igniting the issue. The BJP, however, plans to focus its campaign on the plank of development.
NCP's Seat-Sharing Negotiations
From the NCP's perspective, Yogesh Behl, president of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP's Pimpri-Chinchwad unit, confirmed that seat-sharing talks between the two factions are in progress. He stated that while the Sharad Pawar-led NCP(SP) initially demanded 29 seats, they have reduced their claim to 20. The Ajit Pawar group is willing to offer 15-18 seats, with a final agreement expected soon.
Behl also commented on potential negotiations with the Shiv Sena, indicating that talks between the Sena and BJP had reportedly failed. The Sena has asked for 13 seats from the NCP, which has countered with an offer of six, awaiting a response.
As the election date approaches, the political atmosphere in the industrial twin-city is intensifying, with the BJP projecting an image of invincibility while the opposition attempts to consolidate its forces to mount a credible challenge.
