Pawar Power Play: Sharad-Ajit Unite for Pune Civic Polls After NCP Split

• Sharad Pawar and nephew Ajit Pawar announce an alliance for upcoming municipal elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, scheduled for January 15.
• This unity follows a significant split in the NCP where Ajit Pawar joined the BJP-Shiv Sena government as Deputy Chief Minister on July 2, 2023.
• Sharad Pawar stated the decision was made in the interest of Maharashtra's development, with local seat-sharing discussions underway for a formal announcement.
• Party workers are urged to focus on campaigning and avoid controversial remarks that could harm the newly formed alliance.
• The alliance comes after Sharad Pawar's faction won 8 Lok Sabha seats in 2024, while Ajit's faction secured only one, leading to renewed talks of unity.

Why It Matters: Sharad and Ajit Pawar set aside differences, forming an alliance for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections.