From Split to Alliance: Sharad and Ajit Pawar’s NCP Teams Strike Pre-Poll Pact

New Delhi: The political atmosphere is heated before the local body elections in Maharashtra. State Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar has announced an alliance with his uncle Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) for the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections. This is the first time since the separation of the parties two years ago that both the factions have been seen on one platform.

When and where was this decision taken?

This announcement was made during an election rally in Pimpri-Chinchwad on Sunday. The next elections are to be held on January 15 in 29 municipal corporations of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar told the gathering that this coordination was like a “family reuniting” and was aimed at taking forward the development of the state. Talks on seat sharing between the two parties are still going on.

Why were the two groups separate earlier?

Two years ago NCP was divided into two parts. At that time, the election symbol ‘clock’ had gone to Ajit Pawar's party, while Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) had adopted the 'Tutari' (trumpet) symbol. Then both the groups were contesting the elections on different platforms. Now they have decided to come together again for an important municipal corporation like Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Is this alliance limited only to Pimpri-Chinchwad?

Ajit Pawar has said that both the parties are also discussing coordination for Pune Municipal Corporation. Although the discussion there had gone in a different direction, now after the agreement in Pimpri-Chinchwad, the matter has moved forward.

What does this mean from a political perspective?

Urban bodies like Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune play an important role on the political map of the state. The coming together of both the groups can change the picture of the contest between the opposition and the ruling parties. This could give NCP an advantage in the elections to be held on January 15, especially when family solidarity is also coming to the fore.

Public reaction and the way forward

Although the news of the alliance is generating enthusiasm among workers and leaders, questions are also being raised in some quarters as to how durable this alliance will be. Both sides have said that they will focus on public issues instead of development and criticism of the government. Seat-sharing and the final candidate list are expected to be released soon.