Senior Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) leader Jayant Patil met Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree on Friday to discuss seat-sharing for the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections.
The meeting comes amid shifting political equations ahead of the civic polls. After the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) announced an alliance, and with the Congress indicating it may contest independently, the NCP (SP) leadership has stepped up efforts to hold talks within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Patil’s meeting with Thackeray lasted nearly two hours and focused primarily on seat-sharing arrangements.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Patil said the discussions were held in the spirit of the MVA but could not be concluded. “We are part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, and I came here to discuss seat sharing with Uddhav Thackeray. However, since Shiv Sena (UBT) has allied with the MNS and we have sitting corporator's in several wards, some issues have arisen. We are confident that a conclusion will be reached soon,” he said.
Patil claims that the MVA should ideally contest key civic elections together, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), to ensure better results. “If we fight together, the outcome will be in our favour. We are making every effort to make that happen, and discussions are ongoing with all alliance partners,” he added.
Commenting on the possibility of alliances in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Patil said arrangements should be made wherever they are politically viable. “Our priority remains the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT). However, where there is comfort and past experience of working together, alliances should be explored,” he said.
Patil also said that the NCP had performed well in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad when the parties contested together, which is why the party had explored the possibility of coordination with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in those civic bodies.
Patil, however, categorically denied any speculation about a future merger with the Ajit Pawar faction. “There is no talk of any merger. Our aim is only that the Maha Vikas Aghadi contests the Municipal Corporation elections together.”.
On former NCP leader Prashant Jagtap’s joining the Congress, Patil said discussions should not be mistaken for final decisions. “Until there is an official announcement, nothing can be said. Having discussions does not automatically mean an alliance or a political shift,” he said.
Patil also underlined that civic elections, particularly in Mumbai, should focus strictly on development and local governance. “Municipal elections should be fought on issues related to the city’s development. There are many civic problems that need attention. These elections should not be fought on religious lines. That kind of politics may be seen in Parliament, but municipal polls must remain focused on civic issues,” he added.
