Analysts say frequent alliance shifts damaged Pawar family credibility; the latest PCMC election became a direct contest between the BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (in jacket) campaigns prior to municipal election in Pune. PIC/ARCHANA DAHIWAL
The two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions came together in an attempt to reclaim their former strongholds of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, which the undivided party had controlled for several terms before losing power in 2017. However, those hopes were dashed on Friday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won both municipal corporations with clear majorities, bettering its performance compared to the last election.
Loss in Pimpri-Chinchwad
Despite making emotional appeals asking citizens to vote for NCP candidates, and promising to personally monitor development by visiting the city every eight days, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar failed to gain control of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) for the second consecutive civic election in what was once considered his political stronghold. The NCP managed to gain only one additional seat compared to the previous election, settling at 37 seats.
The latest PCMC election became a direct contest between the BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction. Ironically, this battle unfolded while Pawar remained part of the BJP-led state government. Internal erosion within the NCP further weakened his position, with three former mayors, two former deputy mayors, and 15 former corporators quitting the party ahead of the polls.
Loss in Pune
For nearly two decades, the NCP dominated the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). That dominance unravelled rapidly after the party split in 2023, when Ajit Pawar joined the BJP-led government. The division created confusion among cadres and voters, with both factions claiming the same legacy. Frequent alliance shifts further damaged credibility. A party that once positioned itself as an alternative to the BJP was now sharing power with it, while simultaneously levelling allegations during civic campaigns. Candidate selection controversies, denial of tickets to loyal workers, and the emergence of rebels eroded traditional vote banks ward by ward.
Anti-incumbency also played a role. Citizens expressed dissatisfaction over delayed infrastructure projects, corruption allegations, and governance during the prolonged administrator’s rule. The BJP, meanwhile, ran a disciplined, centralised, and resource-backed campaign, capitalising on the NCP’s internal disarray.
What verdict means
Residents across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad reveal a clear pattern: voters are increasingly disinterested in personal rivalries, allegations, and high-pitched political drama. What they seek is vision, consistency, and action-oriented governance.
What analysts have to say about verdict
Abhay Deshpande, political analyst
‘Credibility is a defining factor. Being in power with the BJP for five years and then suddenly raising allegations confuses voters. Such contradictions break trust. Also, the visible involvement of leaders like Supriya Sule during alliance campaigns raised doubts about internal clarity. Municipal elections are won through micro-level worker networks. The BJP has built an unbreakable grassroots chain. Rebuilding such a structure will be a long and difficult task for the NCP’
Dr Parimal Sudhakar, associate professor, MIT School of Government, Pune
‘Voters have rejected the alliance between the two NCPs as opportunistic. The message to Ajit Pawar is clear: ‘You cannot explore opposition space while being in power. You cannot have the cake and eat it too.’ The message to NCP (SP) is also not to hobnob with the ruling alliance. The question is whether the two NCPs will read these signals clearly’
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