Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Dhangekar has denied switching parties following a meeting with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, stating that party chief Eknath Shinde will decide on any alliance in Pune. Meanwhile, the NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar faction, led by Rohit Pawar, announced that his party will contest the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic elections in alliance with Ajit Pawar's NCP, with both factions using their respective symbols. Sharad Pawar was reportedly not involved in this alliance decision.