Sharad Pawar Rules Out Alliance With BJP-Affiliated Groups Ahead of Maharashtra Local Elections
Pune, 17th June 2025: Sharad Pawar, chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has made it clear that his party will not form any alliance with groups associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming local self-government elections in Maharashtra. Addressing a gathering in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pawar provided strong indications about the NCP’s future political strategy, emphasising that the party’s alliances will be based on shared ideology, rather than political convenience.
With local elections approaching, discussions about possible alliances and coalitions have intensified among various parties in the state. There had been speculation in political circles about a potential reunion of the two NCP factions, but these rumours were previously dismissed by NCP (Ajit Pawar) state president Sunil Tatkare.
During his speech, Pawar highlighted the historical influence of Congress ideology in the Pune district and stressed the need to build a new generation of leadership committed to development. He reminded party workers not to be concerned about who joins or leaves the party, stating that the strength of democracy in India comes from the collective wisdom of ordinary people, not just political leaders.
Pawar questioned the idea of including everyone in an alliance, clarifying that he would only support those who uphold the values of Gandhi, Nehru, Chavan, Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar. He firmly rejected any partnership with those who align with the BJP for power, stating that such individuals do not represent Congress’s ideology. Pawar concluded by urging his party to avoid opportunistic politics and remain committed to their core principles.
