NCP Factions Collaborate in Maharashtra Civic Polls Amid Reunification Speculations

Following Ajit Pawar's 2023 split from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), his faction and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) have allied in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal elections to counter the BJP. Ajit Pawar acknowledges the alliance benefits both sides but rules out merger talks, emphasizing no permanent foes in politics. While Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis notes this as a local arrangement, NCP leader Praful Patel denies any reunification or alliance shifts, affirming continued support for the NDA through 2029.