Pune: NCP-SP Leaders Likely To Join Ajit Pawar's Party Ahead Of Municipal Polls

After the conclusion of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, attention has now shifted to the long-overdue municipal polls in the state, which are likely to be held in early 2025. Ahead of these polls, several NCP-SP leaders are likely to join Ajit Pawar's NCP following the latter's impressive performance in the Assembly elections.

Of the 288 Assembly constituencies in the state, Mahayuti secured a massive mandate of 230 seats. The BJP won 132 seats while its allies — the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, won 57 seats, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, won 41 seats. On the other hand, the constituents of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a rude jolt with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning 20 seats, Congress 16 and NCP-SP only 10 seats.

NCP MLA Anil Patil, the chief whip of the party, said, "Some of the functionaries of the other side (Sharad Pawar's party) have already started establishing communication with our office-bearers in various districts. They are keen to join the party."

Earlier, Ajit Pawar's son Parth Pawar had also purportedly appealed to the Sharad Pawar faction MLAs to join his father's party.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, "I am deeply grateful to the people of Maharashtra for entrusting us with a clear mandate for development and good governance." "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the elected representatives from their respective constituencies, who will strive tirelessly for the welfare and progress of every citizen in this great state," he added.

Parth further said, "I also warmly welcome Members of the Legislative Assembly who place their trust in the leadership of Honourable Ajit Dada Pawar to join the ranks of NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). Together, let us work towards our shared vision of building a true welfare state."

It has been nearly three years since the elections to more than 90% of the civic bodies in the state are due. Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat recently said, "The political atmosphere is favourable. There's a high chance that municipal elections will be conducted between January and February 2025. This is an opportune time, and we are fully prepared." Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule also said his party has already started preparing for civic polls.