### Pawar Factions Unite for Pune Civic Elections: A Political Reunion In a significant political development, the two rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, have announced a strategic alliance for the upcoming civic elections in Pune district. This collaboration aims to consolidate their efforts for both the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections scheduled for January 15, 2026. The decision marks a notable shift in the political landscape, as the factions had been at odds since their split two years ago. The alliance is seen as a move to strengthen their position against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is their main opponent in these elections [https://www.millenniumpost.in/big-stories/ajit-sharad-pawar-factions-join-hands-for-pune-dist-civic-polls-641905][https://www.rediff.com/news/report/to-make-contest-easier-pawars-tie-up-for-another-civic-poll/20251229.htm]. ### Structure of the Alliance and Its Implications 1. **Announcement of Alliance**: Ajit Pawar officially announced the alliance during an election rally in Pimpri-Chinchwad, emphasizing the need for unity and development [https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/politics/ajit-pawar-sharad-pawar-ncp-come-together-for-pimpri-chinchwad-civic-polls-ws-l-19806581.htm][https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/dec/29/parivar-together-ajit-pawar-announces-alliance-with-ncpsp-for-pimpri-chinchwad-civic-polls]. 2. **Seat-Sharing Agreement**: The factions have reportedly finalized a seat-sharing formula, with Ajit Pawar's faction contesting 125 seats and Sharad Pawar's faction entering the fray for 40 seats in the PMC elections [https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/ajit-pawars-ncp-to-jointly-fight-pune-municipal-corporation-polls-with-sharad-pawar-led-ncpsp-10444292]. 3. **Focus on Development**: Both leaders have urged their party workers to concentrate on development issues and avoid controversies during the campaign [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/politics/ajit-pawar-announces-ncp-ncpsp-alliance-for-pimpri-chinchwad-polls-1926937]. 4. **Political Context**: This alliance comes after a period of uncertainty and previous failed attempts to unite, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the NCP and its strategy to counter the BJP's influence in Maharashtra [https://koshursamachar.com/2025/12/29/no-war-in-pawar-parivar-from-split-to-civic-poll-pact-the-ncp-saga-explained]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Election Dates**: The PMC and PCMC elections are set for January 15, 2026, creating urgency for the factions to finalize their strategies [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-pimpri-chinchwad-ajit-pawar-sharad-pawar-tie-up-pune-civic-polls-101766989867127.html]. - **Previous Split**: The factions had been divided for over two years, with Ajit Pawar leading a breakaway faction while Sharad Pawar retained control of the original NCP [https://www.jharkhandtimes.in/news/pawars-unite-for-pune-civic-polls-after-pimpri-chinchwad-sharad-pawar-not-involved-in-decision-making-says-rohit-pawar20251229121945]. - **Public Sentiment**: The decision to unite has been met with mixed reactions, with some party members expressing hope for a stronger electoral performance against the BJP [https://www.thebridgechronicle.com/pune/pune-civic-polls-ncp-both-factions-unite-for-pmc-and-pcmc-elections-agn97]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for Political Survival The alliance between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar's factions represents a critical step in their political strategy as they prepare for the upcoming civic elections. 1. **Reunification**: The coming together of the Pawar factions is a significant political maneuver aimed at consolidating their voter base against the BJP. 2. **Focus on Development**: Both factions are prioritizing development issues, which may resonate well with the electorate. 3. **Seat Distribution**: The finalized seat-sharing agreement indicates a structured approach to maximize their electoral chances. In summary, this alliance not only signifies a reunion of the Pawar family but also a strategic response to the challenges posed by their political rivals in Maharashtra [https://www.ptcnews.tv/politics/pawars-reunite-ajit-pawar-announces-alliance-with-uncle-sharad-pawar-for-local-body-polls-4419216][https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-joins-hands-with-estranged-uncle-sharad-pawar-for-pimpri-chinchwad-civic-polls-101766981488047.html].