Possible Political Alliances Ahead of Pune Civic Polls

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's NCP is considering a possible alliance with the Congress for the Pune municipal corporation elections. Despite discussions, the alliance seems unlikely due to seat-sharing disagreements. The Congress continues negotiations with its MVA allies, Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar's NCP.

In a strategic political move, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, from the NCP, is evaluating a potential collaboration with the Congress party for the upcoming Pune municipal corporation elections. Sources revealed on Monday that Pawar initiated discussions with Congress leader Satej Patil.

During the phone call, Pawar proposed exploring a coalition, while Patil conveyed the necessity of internal party discussions, emphasizing the Congress's demand for a fair seat allocation in the 165-member civic body.

Despite these exploratory talks, sources believe that the likelihood of an NCP-Congress collaboration remains slim as Congress is reluctant to settle for fewer seats. Meanwhile, the BJP and NCP are set to contest the Pune civic polls independently. The Congress continues its alliances talks with Mahayuti allies Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar's branch of NCP.

(With inputs from agencies.)