Pune: Ajit Pawar Signals NCP May Contest Local Elections on Its Own Strength
Pune, 7th June 2025: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) National President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has hinted at the possibility that the upcoming local self-government elections could be fought on the party’s own strength rather than solely through the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. Speaking at an NCP anniversary meeting, Pawar urged party workers to start preparations immediately without waiting for alliance decisions.
“As the national president, I’m here to awaken you. Whether we fight through the alliance or on our own strength will be decided at the state level. Don’t wait for the alliance’s call — get to work immediately. The NCP should be visible in every ward,” Pawar emphasized.
The meeting saw participation from key party figures, including Pune city president Subhash Jagtap, MLA Sunil Tingre, Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar, Working President Pradeep Deshmukh, Rupali Thombre, Haji Firoz Shaikh, and former office bearers.
Recalling the party’s coalition with Congress from 1999 to 2014, Pawar noted that local decision-making was decentralized at the district level during that period. He called on party workers to accept state-level decisions but cautioned against passivity. “Regardless of ward delimitation, keep working. Don’t just hold positions without action. Speeches alone don’t win votes — strong work is essential. Avoid statements that trouble your colleagues,” he added.
Expressing confidence in his leadership, Pawar declared, “My face is strong. We will contest the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections under my leadership.” He also announced plans to appoint one minister each for the eight assembly constituencies in the city and to organize mass gatherings to boost women and youth participation.
