Supriya Sule’s remarks on Wednesday have reignited speculation over a possible reunion of the rival Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Maharashtra, particularly the high-stakes Pune Municipal Corporation polls. Her comments come a day after the State government announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra.
Addressing a press conference in Pune, Supriya Sule, an MP from the Sharad Pawar faction, said discussions were ongoing with various political parties but stressed that no final decision had been taken on an alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. “Discussions are underway with all political parties. However, there is no final decision yet. Whatever decision Sharad Pawar takes, we will all stand by it,” Sule said.
Her remarks have kept the door open for a possible rapprochement between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party, led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, even as internal differences persist.
Reports of discontent within the Sharad Pawar camp, particularly from Pune city unit chief Prashant Jagtap, who is believed to be opposed to any reunion, have added an element of uncertainty to the talks.
Reacting to the alliance between the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Supriya Sule said that she was pleased to see Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray come together. “Clarity on seat-sharing will emerge soon,” she said, adding that discussions on alliances were still ongoing across parties.
Meanwhile, political equations in Mumbai appear to be shifting following the Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance. Sources said Sharad Pawar has temporarily put alliance talks with the Sena (UBT) on hold.
The Sharad Pawar-led NCP is now believed to be exploring the possibility of contesting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections in alliance with the Indian National Congress, though no formal announcement has been made.
