Ajit Pawar Allies with Sharad Pawar in Pune: Is BJP a Threat?

• Ajit Pawar's faction, despite being part of the ruling Mahayuti, has allied with Sharad Pawar's faction for local elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
• This surprising alliance aims to counter the BJP's growing influence in the Pawar family's traditional strongholds.
• BJP had sidelined Ajit Pawar in these local elections, forming an alliance with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, aiming to expand its own base.
• The move helps Ajit Pawar maintain his bargaining power within the Mahayuti and provides a lifeline for Sharad Pawar's faction against electoral defeats.
• The alliance, though currently limited, raises questions about a potential future merger of the NCP factions to stop BJP's expansion.

Why It Matters: Ajit and Sharad Pawar unite in Pune to counter BJP's expansion, signaling strategic political shifts.