Sharad Pawar-Ajit Pawar Alliance Talks Collapse Ahead of Pune Municipal Corporation Elections

A major political development has emerged from Maharashtra as alliance talks between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar have stalled ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation elections. Speculation was rife that both factions of the NCP might come together, but negotiations have been put on hold due to lack of consensus. Sources reveal that Ajit Pawar placed key conditions during a late-night meeting, including offering only 30–35 seats to the Sharad Pawar faction, which was not acceptable to them. Another major point of disagreement was Ajit Pawar’s insistence that all candidates contest on the ‘clock’ election symbol, currently with his faction. The Sharad Pawar camp opposed this, fearing loss of identity. As talks collapse, the possibility of both factions contesting separately has increased.