Pune: The President of the NCP Pimpri-Chinchwad city unit, Ajit Gawhane, and several former corporators met with Sharad Pawar, causing unease among the party's office-bearers.
Some youth leaders of the organization are also reportedly unsettled, with a few having met NCP Sharad Pawar faction MLA Rohit Pawar in Mumbai on Monday (July 1). This has led to speculation that more former corporators and office-bearers might soon join the Sharad Pawar faction.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has maintained a stronghold over the political landscape of Pimpri-Chinchwad after Baramati. For the past 15 years, he has made all significant decisions, including appointments in the municipal corporation and party organization.
Following the NCP split, most local organizations, MLAs, and former corporators remained loyal to Ajit Pawar. However, political winds are changing post the Lok Sabha elections, prompting many to reconsider their affiliations for their political future.
The BJP currently holds the Chinchwad and Bhosari assembly constituencies. According to the Mahayuti alliance's primary principle, the party with the current MLA retains the constituency.
Consequently, with the BJP likely to retain these constituencies, Ajit Gawhane met with senior leader Sharad Pawar due to concerns about his chances in the upcoming Assembly elections. Nana Kate, who is also interested in contesting the Assembly elections, shares similar concerns about his political future.
The inclination of the city president towards the Sharad Pawar faction has created significant unrest within the NCP camp. Many former corporators from Chinchwad, Pimpri, and Bhosari have been inquiring about the situation.
The allure of the Sharad Pawar faction seems to be growing among former corporators. Additionally, two office-bearers responsible for the youth wing in the city and active at the state level met with MLA Rohit Pawar in Mumbai on Monday (July 1). These office-bearers are also likely to join the Sharad Pawar faction soon, indicating a potential major shift within the city NCP.
With the Assembly elections just three months away, some leaders are adopting a wait-and-see approach, planning to evaluate the party's performance in the elections before making any decisions.
NCP Youth President Shekhar Kate assured, "We held a meeting on Sunday (June 30), and everyone has decided to stay with the NCP. No one will leave the party."