In a significant political development ahead of crucial municipal elections in Maharashtra, the possibility of a reunion between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has come to the fore. This follows the recent alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, setting the stage for major realignments in the state's political landscape.
Supriya Sule Confirms Dialogue, Addresses Worker Concerns
NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) working president Supriya Sule has confirmed that discussions are underway for a potential alliance with the faction led by her cousin, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. While not outright dismissing the swirling rumours, Sule emphasised that her party would proceed only after addressing all doubts and apprehensions of its grassroots workers.
Speaking to reporters in Pune, Sule stated, "We are in touch with the NCP, and potential repercussions will also be deliberated upon if both NCP groups decide to join hands." She insisted that the core ideology and party policy would not be compromised in any such arrangement.
Valid Concerns and the Path Forward
Sule specifically addressed the disappointment of her party's Pune unit president, Prashant Jagtap, regarding the possible tie-up. "Jagtap's concerns were valid. His questions are absolutely valid," she acknowledged, revealing she had spoken to him at length. She assured that she had given clear assurances to allay such fears and that "there is nothing lost in translation."
Highlighting the importance of internal democracy, Sule clarified her stance on direct talks with Ajit Pawar. "I will speak to Ajit Dada only after listening to all party workers. I will not move ahead with any alliance until all doubts and apprehensions are addressed," she asserted. She framed the current situation as part of the natural ebb and flow of politics, stating, "Politics has its ups and downs."
Election Context and Broader Implications
The Pune civic polls are part of a larger electoral exercise encompassing 29 civic corporations across Maharashtra, all scheduled for January 15, with vote counting set for the following day. This potential reunion comes after Ajit Pawar's dramatic split from his uncle Sharad Pawar in 2023, when he allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading to the collapse of the then state government.
The electoral performance in recent local body elections adds another layer to this dynamic. In the concluded municipal council and nagar panchayat polls, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP secured 966 seats, significantly more than the 256 seats won by the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). This disparity in grassroots strength is likely a key factor driving the current dialogue between the factions.
Supriya Sule summed up the preliminary nature of the talks, noting, "These are only discussions. In any strong democracy, dialogue and discussion are important." The outcome of these discussions will not only shape the contest for Pune but could also redefine political equations in Maharashtra ahead of other major elections.
