Major Political Move in Pune: Rohit Pawar Confirms NCP Unity for PMC, PCMC Elections

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 29th December 2025: In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming municipal corporation elections, both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will contest the polls together in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The official announcement was made by Rohit Pawar today.

Addressing reporters at the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), Rohit Pawar said the decision was taken after detailed discussions with party workers from both sides. He stated that the collective view of the grassroots cadre was that aligning with the ‘clock’ would be the most practical and beneficial option for the upcoming civic elections. He added that candidates will contest on the ‘trumpet’ symbol, and the alliance is aimed solely at safeguarding the interests of party workers and supporters.

Rohit Pawar clarified that both NCP factions will jointly fight the Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections, marking a major shift in local political equations. “The decision reflects the wishes of our workers. Their feedback played a key role in shaping this alliance,” he said.

Commenting on Prashant Jagtap, Rohit Pawar said he was a committed party worker but added that he was not aware of the exact reasons behind Jagtap’s recent political decision. He noted that political dynamics differ from city to city and that decisions are being taken by keeping local conditions in mind.

On seat-sharing, Rohit Pawar said that AB forms would be distributed on Monday from both the trumpet and clock symbols. Only after that process is completed will clarity emerge on the exact allocation of seats between the two factions. He reiterated that the final call was made in line with the expectations of party workers.

Targeting the ruling dispensation in the Pune Municipal Corporation, Rohit Pawar alleged that the party which held power in the civic body failed to deliver the kind of development citizens were expecting. As a result, he said, public dissatisfaction against the ruling leadership has been steadily growing.

Responding to ongoing discussions about meetings with industrialists, Rohit Pawar confirmed that he had met business leaders including representatives from Tata and Adani groups. He clarified that such interactions were focused on social initiatives. “Those who contribute to society through CSR and come forward to help people are supported by us. These meetings were not related to politics,” he said.

पुणे–पिंपरीत दोन्ही राष्ट्रवादी एकत्र: रोहित पवारांनी केली अधिकृत घोषणा

The announcement comes amid intense political churn within the NCP over the past few days. While talks between the two factions were underway, the Sharadchandra Pawar-led NCP had initially indicated an alliance with the Congress. However, within two days, the decision was reversed, and the party moved towards an understanding with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. The frequent shifts have kept Pune’s political landscape in a state of flux, with political observers debating the impact on Sharad Pawar’s credibility.

Against this backdrop, Rohit Pawar’s clear statement that both NCP factions will come together in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad is being seen as the emergence of a new political equation in local civic politics, with potential implications for the 2026 municipal elections.