NCP Factions' Alliance Crumbles in Pimpri Chinchwad After Pune Setback

• The prospective alliance between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions of NCP has broken down in Pimpri Chinchwad, mirroring the situation in Pune.
• Earlier, positive discussions for an alliance had taken place between Amol Kolhe (Sharad Pawar group) and Ajit Pawar in Pimpri Chinchwad.
• Both NCP factions are now expected to contest separately in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal elections.
• In Pimpri Chinchwad, Ajit Pawar's NCP faction is now likely to ally with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, with positive seat-sharing talks confirmed by Irfan Sayyad.
• The Pune alliance failed as Ajit Pawar insisted on using the 'clock' symbol, despite agreement on seat-sharing.

Why It Matters: NCP factions split in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad; Ajit Pawar's group eyes Shiv Sena alliance.