In a significant political development ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, Prashant Jagtap, the city chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) or NCP(SP), has offered to step down from his post. This move comes as his party engages in talks to form a pre-poll alliance with the rival faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Opposition to Alliance and Threat of Resignation
Jagtap, a staunch loyalist of party patriarch Sharad Pawar, has been a vocal opponent of the proposed alliance from the very beginning. He has consistently argued that such a partnership would primarily benefit the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction. Jagtap had previously declared that he would step aside if the alliance was finalized, a promise he is now acting upon as discussions between the two groups progress.
The seasoned politician, a former Mayor of Pune, had also insisted that the NCP(SP) should contest the elections solely on its original 'man blowing trumpet' election symbol. His offer to resign underscores the deep internal divisions and strategic disagreements within the party's city unit over the alliance strategy.
Political Context and Upcoming Civic Polls
The alliance talks are unfolding against the crucial backdrop of the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, scheduled for January 15, 2025. The civic body, which comprises 165 seats, is a significant political prize. The move towards unification is largely seen as a tactical response to the growing strength of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the first phase of local body polls in Maharashtra and is aiming to consolidate its position in Pune.
Senior leaders from both NCP factions have indicated that the discussions have been productive. Former mayor and NCP leader Datta Dhankawade stated that the pre-poll alliance is almost finalized, pending only a formal announcement. He confirmed that both factions would contest under one NCP symbol.
Reactions from Party Leaders and Internal Dynamics
State NCP(SP) chief Shashikant Shinde acknowledged that local leaders are discussing a potential alliance. He pointed to the strategic necessity, citing the BJP's active efforts to poach aspirants from both NCP groups ahead of the polls. "If the seat-sharing favours us, the possibility of an alliance cannot be ruled out," Shinde remarked.
However, the opposition is not universal within the NCP(SP). In a contrasting move, former corporator Vishal Tambe, who had publicly advocated for the alliance, has announced he will not contest the upcoming civic elections.
On the other side, Pune NCP chief Subhash Jagtap questioned Prashant Jagtap's resistance, reminding that it was Ajit Pawar who had played a key role in building Jagtap's political career. Subhash Jagtap noted that alliance discussions have been positive so far, with neither side making excessive demands and both showing willingness to adjust on seat-sharing.
Prashant Jagtap's political journey adds context to this standoff. After the split in the NCP, he led the NCP(SP) unit aggressively, contributing to the party's performance in the Lok Sabha elections last year. He later contested the Assembly elections from the Hadapsar constituency but was defeated by NCP candidate Chetan Tupe. His threatened resignation now places the party's internal cohesion and electoral strategy under a harsh spotlight just weeks before the high-stakes civic polls.
