Pawar: BJP-Shiv Sena to Contest Pimpri-Chinchwad Polls Directly Despite Alliance

• Deputy CM Ajit Pawar stated BJP and Shiv Sena will have a "direct contest" in Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls, despite being allies at state and central levels.
• Pawar defended Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol's right to speak but raised questions about a person named Ghaywal and the Jain Boarding land scam.
• Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal demanded Mohol's resignation, alleging his role in gangster Nilesh Ghaywal's passport issuance, which Mohol denies.
• Sapkal accused the ruling alliance of "double standards" for partnering with Pawar after past corruption allegations.
• Civic polls for 29 Maharashtra municipal corporations are scheduled for January 15, with counting on January 16.

Why It Matters: Ajit Pawar confirms direct BJP-Shiv Sena contest in Pimpri-Chinchwad polls, sparking political storm.