Ajit Pawar-led NCP, Sharad Pawar faction releases joint manifesto for Pune civic polls

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : In a major political move ahead of the upcoming civic polls, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) jointly released their manifesto for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections on Saturday.

Ajit Pawar shared the stage with his cousin and NCP (SP) working president, MP Supriya Sule, at a joint press conference, highlighting growing coordination between the two factions that split in 2023. Leaders from both sides were present during the announcement, signaling strengthened ties ahead of the January 15 elections to Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations.

Despite being part of rival state-level alliances — Ajit Pawar’s NCP in the ruling Mahayuti and NCP (SP) aligned with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi — the two factions have united for the civic polls. Several NCP (SP) leaders, who had largely stayed away from campaigning so far, participated in the event, marking a visible show of unity.

Addressing the gathering, Ajit Pawar said the joint manifesto focuses on pressing civic issues. Key promises include assured tap water supply, pothole-free roads, traffic congestion reduction, improved cleanliness, pollution control measures, hi-tech healthcare facilities, and slum rehabilitation initiatives.

The document also outlines citizen-friendly measures such as free travel on PMPML buses and metro services, property tax waivers for residential units up to 500 sq ft, and distribution of free computer tablets to students.

Continuing his attack on the BJP, Ajit Pawar accused the local leadership of stalling development in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad despite substantial financial assistance from the state and central governments. He criticized the BJP for mismanagement during its rule of both civic bodies from 2017 to 2022, asserting that the NCP joint initiative aims to deliver better governance and citizen services.

This joint effort demonstrates the NCP factions’ attempt to consolidate their voter base in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, presenting a united front against their political rivals in the upcoming municipal elections.