Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday announced an alliance between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and its Sharad Pawar-led faction, the NCP(SP), marking a reunion after a bitter feud.
The announcement came during a rally in Pimpri Chinchwad ahead of the upcoming civic polls.
“While finalizing the list of candidates for the Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections, the Nationalist Congress Party and the Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar faction decided to contest the polls together in Pimpri Chinchwad. Because of this, the family will come together once again,” Ajit Pawar told reporters.
“There were many questions in people’s minds about what would happen; many times, certain decisions have to be taken in the interest of Maharashtra’s development. I have discussed seat-sharing with leaders here, and that too will be announced soon,” he added.
The Maharashtra Deputy CM’s announcement comes a day after NCP(SP) leader Azam Pansare said that the two factions would like alliance.
After meeting the Deputy CM on Saturday, Pansare said that the two had met after a while, adding, “We wish to have an alliance.” [between NCP(SP) and NCP]… He told me that a decision will be taken soon.”
Elections to 29 civic corporations in Maharashtra, including Pimpri Chinchwad, will be held on 15 January, with vote counting set to take place the next day.
(This is a developing story. Check back for updates)
