Pune MLC Seat May Witness NCP vs NCP Battle as Shrikant Patil Set to File Nomination from Sharad Pawar Faction

Pune, 19th May 2026: The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has decided to jointly contest the upcoming Legislative Council elections from local self-government constituencies, with discussions underway on seat-sharing for 17 seats across Maharashtra.

Amid speculation over which party would contest the Pune local authorities’ constituency seat, the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) has decided to field its candidate from Pune.

According to reports, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP has finalised Pune city unit chief Shrikant Patil as its candidate for the Legislative Council election. He is expected to file his nomination on Friday following instructions from party chief Sharad Pawar.

The development could set the stage for a direct contest between rival factions of the NCP in Pune, as the ruling Mahayuti alliance is likely to allot the seat to the Nationalist Congress Party faction led by Sunetra Pawar. The party is believed to hold significant numerical strength among local self-government representatives in the constituency.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders from Pune have reportedly urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to allot the seat to the BJP within the Mahayuti arrangement.

As per the proposed MVA seat-sharing formula, Congress is expected to contest eight seats, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP three seats and the Shiv Sena (UBT) four seats. Pune and Thane are likely to be contested by the Sharad Pawar faction.

Speaking to the media, Sunetra Pawar said her party has sought three seats within the Mahayuti alliance and expects a positive decision, especially in constituencies where the party has stronger electoral numbers.