Political Alliances Shake Up Pune Civic Polls

The Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) potential alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led faction for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections could align it with the BJP, according to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut. Discussions with NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar are ongoing, with attention on partnerships in civic polls across Maharashtra.

The dynamics of political alliances in Maharashtra are heating up as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar, considers forming an alliance with the faction headed by Ajit Pawar for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. This move is being seen as a potential alignment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.

Raut's allegations suggest that an alliance with Ajit Pawar would indirectly mean bolstering BJP's position in the civic polls. He emphasized the ongoing negotiations and discussions with Pawar regarding the direction of NCP's alliances for the Pune polls. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated earlier that there would be no formal alliance between BJP and NCP in Pune, indicating a 'friendly fight' instead.

In addition to Pune, the focus also shifts to Nashik and Thane, where Raut claims the NCP (SP) will join forces with the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). As municipal corporation elections approach in January, these alliances could significantly impact the political landscape across Maharashtra.

(With inputs from agencies.)