Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has issued a stark warning to the Nationalist Congress Party faction led by Sharad Pawar, suggesting that any political alignment with the rival group headed by Ajit Pawar would be tantamount to supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party. Raut made these remarks while speaking to journalists on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Raut's Strong Stance on Political Alliances
The Rajya Sabha member clarified his position, drawing a clear line in the sand for the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. He argued that since Ajit Pawar's faction is currently in alliance with the BJP in the Maharashtra government, any cooperation with his group would indirectly benefit the ruling party at the centre and state.
Raut confirmed his intention to meet NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar personally to hold discussions on this crucial matter. The agenda for their meeting is expected to cover various issues, with a specific focus on the potential for an understanding between the two rival NCP factions concerning the upcoming elections for the Pune Municipal Corporation.
Focus on Upcoming Pune Civic Polls
The immediate context for Raut's comments is the impending civic body polls in Pune, a significant political battleground in Maharashtra. Political analysts suggest that a unified NCP could pose a formidable challenge, but such unity comes with ideological compromises for the opposition alliance.
Raut's statement highlights the ongoing tensions within the opposition space regarding how to deal with splinter groups that have joined hands with the BJP. His message underscores a strategic dilemma: whether to pursue broader anti-BJP unity at the cost of ideological consistency or maintain a purist stance against any association with BJP allies.
Broader Implications for Maharashtra Politics
This development is not isolated but reflects the continuing realignment of political forces in Maharashtra following the split in both the Shiv Sena and the NCP. The stance taken by key leaders like Sanjay Raut will significantly influence the strategy of the MVA coalition, which comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), the NCP (SP), and the Congress party.
The outcome of the discussions between Raut and Sharad Pawar could set the tone for opposition strategy not just in Pune, but for future local body elections and eventually the state assembly polls. It brings to the fore the complex negotiations and red lines that define coalition politics in the current landscape.
As of now, the Sharad Pawar-led faction has not issued an official public response to Raut's pointed analogy. The political circles in Mumbai and Pune are keenly awaiting the results of the proposed meeting between the two senior leaders.
