Scroll down to read the news in brief...
A major and unexpected development has occurred in Mumbai municipal politics, with the Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar changing its stance and deciding to directly support the grand alliance. Ajit Rawarane, the sole corporator of the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, has joined the grand alliance. This decision clearly indicates a change in the political equations in Mumbai. In the previous municipal elections, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP had contested in alliance with the Thackeray faction. However, now the same party has openly declared support for the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This development has given a new turn to the power struggle in the municipal corporation.
According to reliable sources, a significant discussion recently took place between the leader of the NCP Sharad Pawar faction and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. It is said that following this discussion, the NCP Sharad Pawar party decided to change its stance. The balance of power in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, upcoming important decisions, and political stability are said to be key factors behind this decision. Notably, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) corporators have already supported the grand alliance in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Now, with the support of the Sharad Pawar faction, both NCP factions appear to be standing in favor of Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. This has further strengthened the grand alliance.
Various discussions have started in political circles after Ajit Rawarane's entry into the grand alliance. Some have said this decision is part of practical politics, while others have criticized it as a decision of ideological compromise. However, leaders of the NCP Sharad Pawar faction have clarified that this decision was made for the development of Mumbai and stable administration. Meanwhile, this development is considered a major shock for the Thackeray faction. With the power struggle already ongoing in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, the possibility of increased difficulties for the Thackeray faction is likely due to the ally party leaving. Signs indicate that the power struggle in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation may intensify in the coming period, and the repercussions of this decision are expected to be felt in the state's politics as well.
Sharad Pawar group's U-turn in Mumbai Municipal Corporation, open support to Mahayuti
Nationalist Sharad Pawar group with Mahayuti; Ajit Pawar in Shinde camp
Political earthquake in Mumbai: Both Nationalists united in favor of Shinde