NCP Factions Eye Pune Poll Alliance: Leaders Hint at Reunion

• Ajit Pawar-led NCP and NCP (SP) are exploring a potential alliance for the upcoming Pune civic elections.
• Ajit Pawar faction spokesperson Suraj Chavan confirmed the possibility of a joint contest in Pune, stating "Wherever possible, we will fight together."
• NCP (SP) leader Ankush Kakade affirmed that both factions met in Pune and agreed in principle to contest the civic polls together.
• NCP (SP) plans to contest BMC elections under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) banner, excluding Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena.
• Pune NCP (SP) chief Prashant Jagtap expressed concerns, preferring to contest Pune polls strictly under the MVA, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut showed discomfort.

Why It Matters: Rival NCP factions are likely to unite for Pune civic polls, despite some internal and MVA concerns.