Former Pune mayor and NCP-SP city chief Prashant Jagtap has joined the Congress, citing ideological differences with his former party's potential alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction for upcoming Pune civic polls. Jagtap, who resigned from NCP-SP on Tuesday, stated his decision was driven by a commitment to secular and progressive values, aligning with Congress's ideology. He reportedly received offers from both Shiv Sena factions before choosing Congress. His induction is seen as a boost for Congress in Pune, with party leaders emphasizing his move for ideological reasons rather than power.