In a significant move in Maharashtra politics, the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have decided to form an alliance for the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections on January 15, 2026. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced the alliance to prevent a vote split. This decision is seen as a strategic move to consolidate their traditional support bases, driven by local political factors.
Ajit Pawar confirmed that both NCP factions will jointly participate in the PCMC elections. The alliance comes after failed talks between the factions for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, mainly due to disagreements over poll symbols. Pimpri-Chinchwad, historically an NCP stronghold, saw BJP gains post the 2023 split, prompting efforts to regain lost ground in the industrial township.
The proposed alliance signifies a shift from the state-level Mahayuti alliance involving the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP. Concerns over BJP’s recruitment of local NCP members led to this municipal-level adjustment. However, uncertainty remains over the choice of election symbol, with Ajit Pawar favoring a common symbol while Sharad Pawar’s faction insists on maintaining its identity.
The alliance discussions have caused unease among some local leaders, with former NCP-SP Pune president Prashant Jagtap resigning and joining the Congress. If the alliance materializes, it could reshape the electoral landscape in PCMC, impacting opposition parties’ strategies. This development may also complicate seat-sharing talks within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawar criticized the BJP-led PCMC administration for financial irregularities and administrative lapses during a public address in Pimpri. He highlighted inflated project costs and issues with land occupation affecting the city’s finances. Pawar also accused the BJP of commercializing spiritual and cultural institutions, raising concerns over water distribution irregularities and financial mismanagement in the corporation.
