Archive · 13 Jan 2026
NCP Factions Clash Over Alliances
Praful Patel, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), said that his party will continue to support the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.
This comes after two groups within the NCP, one led by Ajit Pawar and the other by Sharad Pawar, decided to work together for some local elections.
Patel made it clear that his group will stay with the BJP and its allies.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar, who is the deputy chief minister, promised free bus and metro rides in Pune and nearby areas.
The BJP leaders, including the chief minister, said this promise is not realistic and cannot be legally done.
They believe people want good services, not free rides.
The two groups are arguing about who can provide better services to the people.
Ajit Pawar also dismissed speculation about Supriya Sule joining the BJP, focusing instead on development and upcoming elections.
He emphasized the importance of winning the elections and addressing issues like pollution and civic services in Mumbai and other cities.
NCP's Praful Patel confirms the party will remain with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra.
Ajit Pawar's NCP faction promises free bus and metro rides in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
BJP leaders criticize the promise, calling it unrealistic and legally unfeasible.
Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) faction remains with the Opposition, while Ajit Pawar's faction aligns with the BJP.
Tensions rise between BJP and NCP over governance and political promises ahead of municipal elections.
- Who
- Praful Patel (NCP), Ajit Pawar (NCP), Devendra Fadnavis (BJP), Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP)
- What
- NCP's Praful Patel confirms alliance with BJP-led Mahayuti; Ajit Pawar promises free public transport, BJP criticizes the promise.
- When
- Statements made on Sunday, ahead of January 15 municipal elections.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India (Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Parbhani)
- Why
- To clarify NCP's stance on alliances and respond to political promises and criticisms.
NCP (Ajit Pawar)
BJP
Free Public Transport
NCP (Ajit Pawar)
Promises free bus and metro rides in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, claiming financial viability within three years.
BJP
Criticizes the promise as unrealistic and legally unfeasible, emphasizing the need for reliable services over freebies.
- NCP Faction Led By
- Ajit Pawar
- NCP (SP) Faction Led By
- Sharad Pawar
- Maharashtra Chief Minister
- Devendra Fadnavis
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister
- Ajit Pawar
- Alliance Name
- Mahayuti
- Municipal Elections Date
- January 15
- Cities Involved in Elections
- Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Parbhani
Sources
"We'll Stay With Mahayuti": NCP's Praful Patel Amid Tie-Up With Sharad Pawar
Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Elections 2026: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Promises Free Bus, Metro Rides; BJP Hits Back Over Freebie Politics
‘Criminals belong in jail, not civic body’: CM Devendra Fadnavis slams Ajit Pawar for fielding ‘tainted’ candidates in polls
Move Over Mumbai & Pune, The Most Aggressive Civic Poll Campaigning Is Underway In Pimpri-Chinchwad
Pollution a serious concern in Mumbai: Ajit Pawar ahead of BMC polls
Pune VIDEO: Worker Shouts ‘I Love You’ During Ajit Pawar’s Speech In Pimpri-Chinchwad; Dy CM Quips, ‘Tell That To Your Wife’
Not an astrologer: Ajit Pawar on speculation over Supriya Sule joining BJP
No issues within family: Sule on alliance with Ajit Pawar
'Not An Astrologer': Ajit Pawar On Speculation Over Supriya Sule Joining BJP
Maharashtra Civic Polls 2026: 'BJP-Led Mahayuti Will Sweep All Municipal Corporations,' Says Minister Chandrakant Patil
Sule Dismisses Family Rift Speculations
Mahesh Landge to Ajit Pawar: I respect you, but you let-down people of Pimpri