As Maharashtra’s civic elections draw closer, political equations are rapidly changing not just in Mumbai but also in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. After Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) officially announced their alliance for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, similar realignments are now being discussed in Pune’s political circles.

There is growing speculation that both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) — led by Sharad Pawar and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar — may come together for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) polls. This possible reunion has already started creating ripples among allies.

Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has made it clear that the Indian National Congress is not comfortable with these developments. He announced that Congress will contest the BMC elections in Mumbai independently following the Uddhav-Raj Thackeray alliance. Wadettiwar also warned that if both NCP factions reunite in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Congress will be forced to go solo there as well.

Speaking to reporters, Wadettiwar said Congress leaders are aware of talks between the two NCP factions and discussions are ongoing with Sharad Pawar. However, he stressed that Congress has limited options if the NCP reunites at the civic level. “If both NCPs come together, we don’t have a choice. Congress will contest the Pune civic elections independently,” he said.

At the same time, Wadettiwar welcomed the reunion of the Thackeray brothers, saying it was necessary to protect Marathi culture and identity. He alleged that land-related issues in Mumbai and increasing influence from outside Maharashtra have made it important to fight for Marathi interests. However, he also clarified that while Congress was prepared to contest the BMC elections with Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar’s NCP, it was never ready for an alliance that included the MNS.

Former Congress minister Varsha Gaikwad echoed similar concerns, stating that although the Thackeray reunion was expected, it was not discussed with Congress beforehand. She confirmed that Congress will not move forward under the new alliance structure in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding a possible Sharad Pawar–Ajit Pawar reunion has caused internal turmoil within the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). NCP-SP Pune city president Prashant Jagtap resigned from the party, citing ethical reasons. He said joining hands with a party he had contested against would damage his credibility and send the wrong message to party workers who had faced pressure and legal issues.

Jagtap also said the continuous speculation over the last few weeks had caused mental stress and confusion among workers. His resignation has further intensified the debate over a possible reunion.

Adding to the unrest, Congress Pimpri-Chinchwad City President Kailas Kadam also resigned from his post amid reunion talks. Though he denied that his resignation was linked to alliance speculation and cited personal reasons, his exit has strengthened the perception of growing discomfort within Congress at the local level.