Ajit Pawar's Pune Political Gamble Comes Up Short Against BJP
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar deployed his full political arsenal in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. He aimed squarely at the BJP on his home ground. Friday's civic election results delivered a clear message. His efforts failed to make any significant impact.
Strategic Focus Fails to Translate into Votes
The battle lines were drawn on December 15. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced there would be no alliance between the BJP and the NCP in most of the 29 civic bodies going to polls. While the NCP fielded candidates across many corporations, Ajit Pawar concentrated his personal energy on Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. His goal was clear: reclaim the bastion lost to the BJP back in 2017.
He formed an alliance with his estranged uncle Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) faction for this fight. Despite this combined effort, the alliance proved too weak. They could not dislodge the BJP's hold on both municipal corporations in Pune district.
Observers Point to Weak Ground Game
Political analysts noted a critical flaw in Ajit Pawar's strategy. His personal strength was not matched by a robust party organization. The BJP had already weakened the NCP's grassroots structure over time.
Parimal Maya Sudhakar, a noted political analyst, explained the situation. "Ajit Pawar directly challenged the BJP during his campaign rallies," he said. "However, he lacked the necessary foot soldiers to wage the actual battle on the ground. The party struggled to find suitable candidates. This forced them to field some individuals with questionable backgrounds."
A Silver Lining in Political Reconciliation
The election did yield one significant positive outcome for the Deputy CM. The alliance with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) marked a major shift. Recall the political climate after July 2023. Sharad Pawar's loyalists were furious with Ajit Pawar. They blamed him for splitting the party his uncle founded and for joining the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
This time, the scenario was different. Sharad Pawar's supporters accepted Ajit Pawar's leadership within the electoral alliance. While most senior leaders from the NCP (SP) kept their distance from active campaigning, Ajit Pawar personally led the canvassing efforts for both groups.
Paving the Way for a Possible NCP Merger
Political observers see a new pathway opening from these results. The election has potentially increased Ajit Pawar's acceptance among Sharad Pawar's camp. This is crucial for any future merger talks.
Parimal Maya Sudhakar highlighted this development. "Both parties maintain the alliance was only for these municipal polls," he noted. "Yet, it served a greater purpose. It helped reduce the deep bitterness between the factions. It created a mindset where working together became possible. The key takeaway for Ajit Pawar is this: his leadership could be accepted by the other group if they decide to unite."
So, while the verdict in Pune was not impressive for Ajit Pawar, it has subtly changed the political calculus. The weakening of the Sharad Pawar-led group at the grassroots level makes merger possibilities appear stronger. The election may have been lost, but a new door for NCP unity seems to have been nudged open.
