Ajit Pawar's NCP May Go Solo in BMC Polls Amid Malik Row; Thackeray Cousins Unite

• Ajit Pawar's NCP faction is considering an independent campaign for the upcoming BMC elections, separate from the Mahayuti alliance.
• The primary contention is the appointment of Nawab Malik as NCP's BMC election in-charge, which the BJP objects to due to his alleged links to Dawood Ibrahim and money laundering charges.
• NCP leader Sunil Tatkare has stated the party will not bow to external pressure regarding Malik's leadership.
• BJP believes an independent NCP run could split minority votes, potentially benefiting Mahayuti by weakening Congress and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena.
• Adding to the political complexity, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have resolved their 20-year dispute.

Why It Matters: Maharashtra's political landscape is heating up before BMC polls, with Ajit Pawar's NCP considering a solo run.