In a fresh twist to Maharashtra's ever-evolving political landscape, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar has made overtures to the Indian National Congress, signaling potential realignments in the run-up to crucial municipal elections. This development comes on the heels of dramatic electoral outcomes in Nanded district, where the NCP scored a decisive victory in Loha, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a notable setback with its much-touted 'family pack' strategy.
According to reports from ABP Live, Ajit Pawar, the chief of the NCP (Ajit), reached out directly to Congress leader Satej Patil, proposing discussions for a possible alliance in the Pune Municipal Corporation polls. Sources close to the matter have described Pawar's initiative as significant, even if it remains unlikely that the NCP will completely break away from its current Mahayuti alliance to join forces with the Congress. Still, Pawar's move has set off a flurry of speculation and strategic recalibration among Maharashtra's political heavyweights.
Patil, for his part, responded with characteristic caution. He told reporters that he would need to consult with senior Congress leaders, emphasizing that the party is keen on a seat-sharing arrangement in the 165-member Pune Municipal Corporation. The Congress, which currently boasts a Member of Parliament representing Pune in the Lok Sabha, is determined not to settle for fewer seats in the upcoming local body elections. As one senior Congress source put it, "The party believes that since a Congress MP represents Pune in the Lok Sabha, it is important for the party to maintain a strong hold in the municipal corporation."
Behind the scenes, the Congress is meticulously weighing the potential gains and losses of any alliance, not just in Pune but across municipal corporations statewide. The party remains on high alert, coordinating closely with its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies to ensure a united front. As of December 22, 2025, Congress insiders have made it clear that the party is in no mood to compromise on its ambitions for Pune, a city seen as a critical stronghold in the broader battle for Maharashtra's urban centers.
Meanwhile, the political currents in Nanded district have provided fresh fodder for debate about the effectiveness of electoral strategies and the enduring influence of local dynasties. In the recently concluded Loha municipal council elections, the BJP's controversial decision to field six candidates from the same family—dubbed the 'family pack'—backfired spectacularly. Gajanan Suryavanshi, the party's nominee for council president, lost the race, as did his wife, brother, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and nephew's wife. The entire slate was swept aside by the NCP, whose candidate, also named Sharad Pawar, clinched the president's post and led the party to victory in 17 council seats.
Vote counting for the president and member posts across 286 municipal councils and nagar panchayats began at 10 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, according to The Times of India. The results in Loha were especially humiliating for the BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress, each of whom managed to win just a single seat. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi was quick to pounce, lambasting the BJP for engaging in what they called "dynastic politics." Their criticism, leveled both in campaign speeches and post-election commentary, highlighted the dangers of relying too heavily on family ties rather than broader organizational strength or grassroots support.
Across Nanded district, the electoral picture was fragmented, with no single party able to claim a sweeping mandate. The NCP won control of councils in Loha, Kandhar, Degloor, and Umri, while the BJP emerged victorious in Kundalwadi, Mudkhed, and Bhokar. The Shiv Sena and Marathwada Janhit Party each won two councils, and Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress secured one apiece. Notably, although Kandhar elected a Congress president, the NCP still emerged as the largest party in that local body—reflecting the complex, multi-layered nature of Maharashtra's municipal politics.
Adding another wrinkle, officials reported that the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar failed to win control of any municipal council in the district, despite sharing a prominent name with the victorious NCP candidate in Loha. This detail underscores the sometimes confusing landscape of party affiliations and leadership within the NCP, a party that has seen its fair share of splits and realignments over the years.
The developments in Loha and Pune come at a time when municipal elections are increasingly seen as bellwethers for broader state and national trends. Local bodies in Maharashtra hold significant sway over urban development, public services, and grassroots political mobilization. As such, victories and defeats at this level can reverberate far beyond city limits, influencing party fortunes and alliance dynamics in the run-up to state assembly and parliamentary elections.
For the BJP, the Loha debacle is a cautionary tale about the perils of over-reliance on familial networks. The party's 'family pack' gambit, which may have been intended to project unity or capitalize on local influence, ended up drawing sharp criticism from both opponents and some within its own ranks. The Maha Vikas Aghadi's pointed remarks about "dynastic politics" struck a chord with voters who remain wary of nepotism and the concentration of political power within a handful of families.
On the other hand, the NCP's success in Loha and its ongoing maneuvers in Pune illustrate the party's determination to remain a central player in Maharashtra's shifting political alliances. Ajit Pawar's outreach to the Congress, while not yet resulting in a formal break from the Mahayuti, suggests a willingness to explore new partnerships in pursuit of local victories. Whether this is a sign of deeper fissures within the ruling coalition or simply a pragmatic response to the unique challenges of municipal politics remains to be seen.
As the dust settles from the latest round of municipal elections, all eyes are on the next moves of Maharashtra's political leaders. Will the NCP and Congress find common ground in Pune, or will the existing alliances hold firm? Can the BJP recover from its setbacks and present a more unified front in future contests? In a state known for its political volatility, the only certainty is that the coming months promise more intrigue, negotiation, and high-stakes maneuvering as parties vie for control of Maharashtra's urban heartlands.
For now, the aftermath of the Loha elections and the brewing alliance talks in Pune offer a revealing snapshot of the challenges and opportunities facing Maharashtra's political class. With municipal polls serving as both a proving ground and a battleground, every move is being watched—and every outcome carries implications far beyond city hall.
