In a significant political development for Maharashtra's civic polls, Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar officially declared an electoral alliance between his party and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) for the upcoming Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections. The announcement was made during a campaign rally in Talawade on Sunday.
The Alliance Announcement and Seat-Sharing
Addressing supporters, Ajit Pawar stated that the two factions, one represented by the clock symbol and the other by the trumpet, would join forces for the civic battle. He framed the partnership as a reunion of a political family, responding to public demand. The seat-sharing arrangement between the NCP and NCP (SP) has been finalised, with the formal list expected to be released within the next two days.
Pawar connected the decision to his agrarian roots and broader state interests, remarking, "We come from a farming family; farming is our caste. Some decisions must be taken in the larger interest of Maharashtra." This marks the first official confirmation of an alliance between the two parties, even as talks continue for similar partnerships in other municipal corporations, including Pune.
Candidate Announcements and Historical Context
During the rally, Pawar took the opportunity to announce candidates for specific wards. For Ward 12, where the undivided NCP had a clean sweep in the 2017 polls, he named Pankaj Bhalekar, Sharad Bhalekar, Seema Bhalekar, and Charulata Sonawane. Later, at a meeting in Chikhali for Ward 1, he declared Yash Sane, Vikas Sane, Sadhna Netaji Kashid, and Sangita Tamhane as the party's candidates.
Pawar also credited NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar for his role in Pune's development, specifically for bringing the IT park to Hinjewadi, which spurred growth in the twin cities. He highlighted the historical dominance of his party in Pimpri Chinchwad, noting that first the Congress (from 1992-1999) and then the undivided NCP (from 1999-2017) controlled the civic body. The BJP broke that streak in 2017, winning 77 of 128 seats, while the NCP secured 36.
Accusations and Promises for PCMC's Future
In a sharp critique of the current administration, Pawar contrasted PCMC's past financial health with its present state. He claimed that during his party's 25-year rule, PCMC never took loans for development works and was considered one of Asia's richest municipal corporations. "Today, it is burdened with debt and allegations of corruption, which were never part of its earlier history," he alleged.
Pawar outlined his party's vision for inclusive representation, drawing inspiration from the ideologies of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Jyotiba Phule, and B.R. Ambedkar. He promised a candidate list that balances youth and experience. Furthermore, he made serious allegations against political opponents, accusing them of threatening aspiring candidates, particularly women, by warning that their construction projects would be stalled. "Such poaching politics has never been seen before," Pawar said, urging residents to resist and ensure justice.
The formation of this alliance sets the stage for a highly contested battle to reclaim control of the crucial Pimpri Chinchwad civic body, with both NCP factions aiming to consolidate their traditional voter base.
