Ajit Pawar Hints at NCP Faction Merger Post Maharashtra Local Body Elections

• Ajit Pawar suggests a potential merger of NCP factions after Maharashtra local body elections, keeping options open.
• He stated that an alliance with Sharad Pawar's NCP faction for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad elections could boost vote share.
• Pawar recalled past instances where NCP and Congress allied for state/national elections but contested local polls separately, similar to BJP and Shiv Sena.
• The NCP split in July 2023, with Ajit Pawar joining the Shiv Sena-BJP government; his faction received the party name and symbol.
• Local body elections, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, are scheduled for January 15, with results on January 16.

Why It Matters: Ajit Pawar indicates a possible NCP faction merger after local elections, driven by worker demands and vote share.