All political parties have kept alliance options open for the civic elections to be held in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar-led NCP, an ally of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, may enter into an alliance with Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) in the Pune municipal elections.
Mumbai: Political activity has intensified regarding the upcoming municipal elections in Maharashtra. New possibilities for alliance are emerging in the major cities of the state—Pune, Mumbai (BMC) and Thane. The most important signals are coming from Pune, where discussions about an alliance between Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) are gaining momentum. This political equation can give a new direction not only to Mahayuti and Mahavikas Aghadi, but also to the politics of the entire state.
NCP-NCP (SP) talks in Pune
Hinting at this possible alliance, senior NCP (SP) leader and MP Supriya Sule said that both the parties are considering coming together for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections. He said that Ajit Pawar has been saying repeatedly that he has not left his basic ideology. According to Supriya Sule, “At present our focus is the civic elections and in this context the leaders of both the parties are talking to each other.
If this alliance materialises, it will be considered a major step towards reducing the long standing political sourness between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.
NCP’s option to fight alone in Thane
Unlike Pune, the picture looks a little different in Thane. NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjape has claimed that BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena have started talks on seat sharing in Thane, but NCP was not included in it. According to Paranjape, neither BJP nor Shiv Sena has contacted the party’s district president Najeeb Mulla. In such a situation, NCP has kept the option of contesting the Thane Municipal Corporation elections alone open, although the party has also made it clear that if called for talks, they are ready.
Another interesting twist in Maharashtra politics came when media reports claimed that Congress may reconsider the alliance with Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray in Pune. However, earlier Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar had clearly said that Congress will never form an alliance with MNS. He had also said that Congress stands strongly with Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP).
Despite this, due to changing political equations and compulsions of civic elections, the Congress’ stance seems to be softening, especially when the Thackeray brothers have announced to come together for the BMC elections.
BJP-Shiv Sena agree in BMC elections
There has almost been an agreement on seat sharing between BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena regarding BMC elections. According to reports, around 200 seats in the 227-seat BMC have been agreed upon, while a decision on the remaining seats is also expected to be taken soon. After this, the Grand Alliance can announce the seat sharing by holding a formal press conference.
Voting is to be held in 29 municipal bodies of the state including BMC on January 15 and the nomination process has started. In such a situation, more big announcements regarding alliance and seat sharing can be seen in the coming days.
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