In a surprising political development in Maharashtra, Supriya Sule and Ajit Pawar shared a public platform on Saturday for the first time since the Nationalist Congress Party fractured in 2023. The estranged cousins, who represent opposing factions of the divided NCP, jointly unveiled a common manifesto for the upcoming Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporation elections scheduled for January 15. The event marked a rare moment of collaboration between the two leaders amid ongoing rivalry at the state level.

Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister and head of his NCP faction allied with the BJP-led Mahayuti, and Supriya Sule, working president of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) and a key figure in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, attended the joint press conference in Pune. The two parties, despite their starkly contrasting alliances at the state and national levels, have agreed to contest the civic polls in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad on a united front, signalling a tactical understanding for local governance issues.

The jointly released manifesto focuses on addressing core civic challenges faced by residents of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Key promises include round-the-clock tap water supply, significant improvements in traffic management, pothole-free roads, enhanced cleanliness, advanced healthcare infrastructure, pollution control measures, and faster slum redevelopment projects. Additional commitments cover free travel on PMPML buses and metro services, property tax exemptions for homes up to 500 square feet, and distribution of free computer tablets to students.

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During the event, Ajit Pawar emphasised the manifesto’s emphasis on improving everyday quality of life through reliable basic amenities. He also took the opportunity to criticise the local BJP leadership, accusing them of failing to deliver adequate development despite receiving substantial financial support from both state and central governments. The BJP had controlled both civic bodies between 2017 and 2022, a period Ajit Pawar frequently references to highlight shortcomings in urban planning and infrastructure.

The joint appearance and shared manifesto underscore a pragmatic alliance driven by local priorities, even as the two NCP factions remain fierce rivals in broader state politics. With the civic elections approaching rapidly, the development could influence voter sentiment in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad and potentially set the tone for future tactical adjustments between the divided Pawar families and their respective political camps.

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