NCP Factions Eye Reunion After Civic Poll Debacle; Ajit Pawar Gains Edge

• Both NCP factions faced a crushing defeat in Maharashtra's recent municipal corporation elections, sparking reunion speculation.
• Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) was virtually erased from urban local bodies, failing to win seats in 14 out of 29 corporations.
• Defeats were most striking in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, traditional Pawar strongholds, despite an alliance with Ajit Pawar's faction.
• The July 2023 split significantly weakened NCP (SP), leading to cadre defections and struggles to field strong candidates.
• Electoral losses strengthen Ajit Pawar's position, potentially paving the way for him to lead a reunited NCP.

Why It Matters: Civic poll losses push NCP factions towards reunion, with Ajit Pawar emerging in a stronger leadership position.