Pune: Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar Factions Face-to-Face Clash in Pimpri?
Pimpri, 1st December 2023: The recent split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has brought forth a battleground in Pimpri-Chinchwad, a city that was once a stronghold for the party. The factions led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar are now set to face each other with their central offices located along the old Pune-Mumbai highway, escalating the ongoing conflict.
Ajit Pawar, after being sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister in the Shiv Sena-BJP government, has turned his attention to reclaiming Pimpri-Chinchwad. Garnering support from party organizations, MLAs, and former corporators, Ajit Pawar has aimed to strengthen his foothold. In response, NCP President Sharad Pawar has entrusted his grandson, Karjat-Jamkhed MLA Rohit Pawar, with the responsibility of the city. Rohit’s extensive tours in the city have set the stage for potential conflicts, drawing senior leaders like former mayor Azam Pansare into his group.
With Pansare’s support, the remaining office bearers in the party gained momentum. However, internal differences led to the closure of a public relations office set up in Kalewadi. Subsequently, a new central office has been established at Pimpri Chowk, scheduled for inauguration on December 2 by State President Jayant Patil, with the presence of MP Supriya Sule and Dr. Amol Kolhe.
The spatial arrangement of the offices is noteworthy, as Ajit Pawar’s group holds an office in Kharalwadi on the old Pune-Mumbai highway, while Sharad Pawar’s group has an office in Pimpri, positioned to face each other directly. This physical proximity is seen as a potential catalyst for escalating tensions between the two factions.
City president Tushar Kamthe clarified that the establishment of a central office aims to streamline communication for party workers and citizens, routing affairs through this newly established hub.
