The performance of both Nationalist Congress Party factions in the recently concluded municipal elections in the state has been extremely poor. Notably, in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations, considered strongholds of the Nationalist Congress Party, the BJP made significant inroads, toppling the NCP's bastion. This defeat has sparked major discussions in state politics, and after the municipal elections, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met with Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Sharad Pawar this morning, leading to various speculations in political circles.
On the question of whether both NCP factions will come together, Ajit Pawar took a direct and clear stance. “No such meeting has taken place,” he said, attempting to put an end to political speculations. Speaking at the inauguration of the Agriculture Exhibition 2026, Ajit Pawar said, “We are public representatives. I was informed that Sharad Pawar was there, so we went to his house. We are together as a family. For now, we are working as part of the grand alliance.”
On the question of whether both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party will come together in the district council elections, Ajit Pawar gave a cautious response. “Elections for 12 district councils are due. Local leaders have been given the authority to make decisions regarding this. Local workers will make decisions based on the situation,” he clarified. Speaking about the defeat in the municipal elections, Ajit Pawar said, “The voter is the most important. The BJP contested these elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and achieved great success. Congratulations to the BJP from the heart.” He also noted the need to learn from the defeat without getting disheartened.
Ajit Pawar took a clear stance on the controversies surrounding EVMs. “If defeated, blame the EVMs, and if victorious, don't talk about it; I don't want to get into this,” he said, avoiding further commentary on the subject. He also refrained from commenting on the issue of ink being erased from fingers.