Pawar Reunion Buzz Ahead of Pune Polls Amidst Political Shifts

• Speculation surrounds a potential alliance between Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections.
• The Ajit Pawar faction, a rival since the 2023 NCP split, is reportedly exploring options after a relatively poor performance in recent local body polls.
• Sources suggest Ajit Pawar's strategy might involve assessing his faction's strength in a solo contest, rather than viewing a defeat as a setback.
• Former Pune mayor and NCP (SP) city president Prashant Jagtap recently joined the Congress, along with other office-bearers, strengthening Congress for the Maharashtra municipal elections.
• Sharad Pawar is also reportedly a "third wheel" in a potential Thackeray cousins' reunion, though no faction wants to work with Raj Thackeray.

Why It Matters: Pawar factions eye Pune polls amidst alliance talks and significant political realignments.