In a setback for Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his faction of the NCP faced a significant defeat in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections. This loss not only disrupted his plans to challenge the BJP in his stronghold but also constrained him to play a subservient role within the Mahayuti alliance.
Despite initially aligning with the BJP, Ajit Pawar later formed a local alliance with Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, a move that seems to have backfired. Voters in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad rejected his leadership, leading to a complete washout for NCP in Pune and a defeat in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The aggressive campaign saw Ajit Pawar accusing the BJP-led municipal administration of corruption, triggering a sharp response. The BJP’s success in the elections has strained ties within the alliance, with state BJP President Ravindra Chavan expressing regret over aligning with Ajit Pawar.
With NCP failing to secure a significant position in any of the 29 municipal corporations in the state, the chances of gaining a Mayoral post appear bleak. Analysts predict that the BJP might aim to further diminish Pawar’s political influence.
Speculation surrounds Ajit Pawar’s next steps, with options to either break ties with the BJP, a risky move given their dominance, or to continue in the Mahayuti government with a reduced role. Observers anticipate that, considering the circumstances, Pawar is likely to opt for the latter to avoid political repercussions.
