Pimpri Chinchwad, 29th December 2025: Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Ajit Pawar on Sunday formally declared that the NCP and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) will jointly contest the upcoming Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections.
The announcement was made during a campaign meeting at Talawade, where Pawar addressed party workers and supporters. Describing the alliance as a response to public sentiment, he said both factions had decided to come together for the civic elections. “In Pimpri Chinchwad, the party identified by the clock symbol and the party represented by the trumpet symbol will fight the election together. Many people wanted this unity, and that is now taking shape,” Pawar said.
He added that discussions on seat-sharing between the two parties had been concluded and that the final arrangement would be made public within the next couple of days. Emphasising the broader political context, Pawar said decisions were taken keeping Maharashtra’s long-term interests in mind. “We come from farming backgrounds, and our thinking is rooted in the soil. Sometimes choices must be made beyond personal or political differences,” he said.
This is the first formal confirmation of an electoral understanding between the two NCP factions, even as talks continue regarding possible alliances in other municipal corporations, including Pune.
During the Talawade rally, Pawar also declared the party’s candidates for Ward 12, a stronghold where the undivided NCP had secured all four seats in the 2017 civic polls. The candidates announced were Pankaj Bhalekar, Sharad Bhalekar, Seema Bhalekar, and Charulata Sonawane. Later, while addressing a public gathering in Chikhali for Ward 1, he named Yash Sane, Vikas Sane, Sadhna Netaji Kashid, and Sangita Tamhane as party nominees.
In his speech, Pawar acknowledged the role played by NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar in establishing the IT hub at Hinjewadi, stating that the move significantly contributed to the economic growth of Pimpri Chinchwad. He also recalled that the city was governed by the Congress between 1992 and 1999 and later by the undivided NCP from 1999 to 2017 under his leadership, before the BJP took control of the civic body in 2017 by winning 77 of the 128 seats.
Referring to the financial condition of the municipal corporation, Pawar said that during the NCP’s long tenure, PCMC had not resorted to loans for development projects. “There was a time when PCMC was counted among the wealthiest civic bodies in Asia. Today, it is facing mounting debt and corruption-related allegations, which were never associated with its earlier administration,” he said.
Pawar further stated that the party would ensure inclusive representation by giving opportunities to candidates from diverse social backgrounds. Drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Jyotiba Phule, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar, he said the candidate list would reflect a mix of young leaders and experienced faces.
Without naming any political rivals, Pawar alleged that aspirants in Pimpri Chinchwad were being intimidated by opponents. “There are complaints that people, including women, are being pressured and warned that their construction projects will be stalled if they contest elections. Such tactics are unacceptable, and citizens should stand up against this kind of politics,” he said.
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