Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut urged Ajit Pawar's NCP faction to merge with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP), citing their alliance for upcoming Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls. Raut questioned Ajit Pawar's position in the BJP-led Mahayuti government, especially after Ajit Pawar alleged corruption in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, which was previously ruled by the BJP. Raut suggested Ajit Pawar's stance on corruption indicated a shift, prompting him to leave the BJP-led government and rejoin Sharad Pawar's party.