In a significant development regarding political realignments in Maharashtra, Baramati MP and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) working president Supriya Sule has clarified that any potential electoral alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party will be taken only after extensive consultations with the party's grassroots workers. This statement comes amidst internal dissent and public offers of resignation within her party over the speculated tie-up.
Decision Rests with Party Karyakartas, Says Sule
Speaking to The Indian Express on Tuesday, Supriya Sule emphasized a democratic process for the crucial decision. "We have received offers in this regard. But any decision of an alliance will be taken up after consulting the party workers. Whatever our party karyakarta will say, we will agree to it," Sule stated. She explicitly denied having a personal opinion on the matter, reiterating that the party's rank and file would guide the leadership.
The Baramati MP outlined the formal process, revealing that NCP (SP) Maharashtra president Shashikant Shinde will first hold discussions with Sunil Tatkare, the state chief of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. A final announcement is expected to follow in a couple of days. When contacted, Sunil Tatkare claimed no knowledge of a possible alliance, indicating a meeting in Mumbai would precede any official comment.
Internal Dissent and MVA Preparations
The possibility of an alliance has already triggered internal resistance. Prashant Jagtap, the Pune city unit chief of NCP (SP), offered his resignation in protest. Sule, however, said she was unaware of the resignation as she was occupied with Parliament and confirmed that neither she nor the state president had received any formal letter.
"Our party is run on democratic lines. Whatever decision we take, it will be taken after consulting our party rank and file," she asserted, adding that she and the state president had a two-hour discussion with Jagtap just a day prior.
Concurrently, Sule confirmed that the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition is actively preparing for the upcoming civic elections. "Our discussion about seat-sharing in MVA is at a final stage," she disclosed. She framed the election as being fundamentally about the interests of party workers, pledging that any decision would prioritize their welfare and the development of Pune and its citizens.
Cross-Party Maneuvers and Communications
The political landscape appears fluid, with parallel negotiations occurring. While leaders from Ajit Pawar's NCP, particularly in Pimpri-Chinchwad, have openly discussed an alliance with Sharad Pawar's party, Ajit Pawar himself reportedly contacted Congress leader Satej Patil to explore an alliance with the Congress.
Sule confirmed that she has not spoken directly with Ajit Pawar regarding an alliance, nor has he called her to discuss the possibility. Congress MLC Satej Patil, addressing a press conference in Kolhapur, verified that Ajit Pawar had called him but clarified that the discussion was not related to local body polls in Kolhapur or Ichalkaranji. He reaffirmed the Congress's plan to contest the Pune civic polls as part of the MVA.
The coming days are crucial as both NCP factions navigate internal sentiments and external coalition dynamics ahead of the key municipal elections.
