MUMBAI: Talks between the NCP (SP) and the Ajit Pawar-led ruling NCP over an alliance for the next month’s Pune civic polls have hit a roadblock, with the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister not agreeing to the Sharad Pawar-led party’s proposal for contesting the elections on their respective symbols.
According to a senior NCP (SP) leader, Ajit spoke to them for an alliance, and later he also sought the list of candidates for the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporation elections. “We were shocked that after taking the list of our candidates, he asked us to contest on his party’s clock symbol. He even poached some of the aspirants when we were seriously busy in seat-sharing talks.
In this case, how can it be called an alliance? If our people get elected on Ajit Pawar’s party symbol, how will they remain our elected members? They will be officially part of Ajit’s NCP,” the senior NCP (SP) leader said, requesting anonymity. He said top party leaders are against Ajit’s strategy as it will shrink the NCP (SP)’s space in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad region.
“We wanted to conclude seat sharing, but Ajit Pawar continued to postpone the official announcement on seats for some reason or the other. He also poached several of our possible candidates. He assured them of funds and victory.
Now, we are facing a crunch of candidates. We cannot trust Ajit Pawar anymore,” said another NCP (SP) leader from Pune, adding that NCP SP city president Prashant Jagtap resigned and joined the Congress in protest.
Another leader said Ajit’s stand has raised suspicion about his intention for an alliance. “Our leaders have called a meeting in Mumbai where the decision on an alliance with Ajit’s NCP will be taken. We should contest as part of MVA,” he said on the condition of anonymity.
Cracks appear ahead of high-stakes elections
According to an NCP(SP) leader, Ajit spoke to them for an alliance, and later he also sought the list of candidates for the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporation elections. “We were shocked that he asked us to contest on his party’s clock symbol,” he said.