Sharad Pawar

For the first time in decades, neither faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) nor the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, has managed to secure control of a single major municipal corporation.

When asked whether this alliance would extend beyond the civic polls, Ajit Pawar said no decision had been taken but acknowledged its immediate impact.

Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter and Ajit Pawar's cousin, says that the two NCP factions have come together for the Pimpri-Chinchwad polls on the demand of party workers.

The centre of excellence, funded by Adani, has been established under Vidya Pratishthan, the educational institute governed by the Pawar family.

The Shiv Sena and Marathwada Janhit Party won from two places each, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress emerged victorious from one place each, officials said.

Ajit Pawar, who heads the rival NCP, last week told voters at Malegaon in Baramati tehsil of Pune district that he will ensure there is no shortage of funds for the town if they elected the candidates of his party, but if they rejected them, he will also "reject".

His remarks came days after the ruling NDA secured a landslide victory in the Bihar elections by decimating the Opposition Mahagathbandhan bloc.

The NCP (SP) chief appeared to distance himself from daughter and party MP Supriya Sule's remarks defending Parth. Sule had said she didn't think Parth would do anything wrong.

Taking a swipe at the Opposition unity, Fadnavis said NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar skipped the meeting on Wednesday as he knew that they (MVA leaders) were casting aspersions on institutions and the Constitution.

Pawar claimed an atmosphere of conflict between Marathas and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) was being deliberately created.

While speaking more on the issue, Pawar added, "Some people (Mohan Bhagwat) have clarified that he (or RSS) never said nor discussed this thing. Why should we insist on them? They say that they haven't said it, but we know you published it, we read it. It's okay now."

Earlier this month, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made allegations of "vote chori" in elections, accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of colluding with the ruling BJP. He claimed that the poll body has not performed its duty of enforcing the 'one man, one vote' principle.

Pawar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not ignore the signs of a growing chasm between India and neighbouring countries.

A detailed inquiry is needed into the concerns raised by him to clear doubts (about the integrity of the electoral process) among people. 'Doodh ka doodh aur paani ka paani hona chaiye'," Pawar told reporters.

Also speaking on economic issues, Pawar criticised the US’ imposition of a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, calling it “an attempt to pressurise us.”

"We are ideological opponents, not enemies. It is extremely wrong to give a political colour to the wishes extended on birthday or any other auspicious occasion," Fadnavis said.

“The speed at which Devendra works is remarkable… Watching his dedication and energy, I often wonder – how does he never get tired?” writes Pawar.

Pawar was responding to Shiv Sena's Manisha Kayande, who claimed in the legislative council on Wednesday that “urban Naxals” have infiltrated the annual ‘wari’ pilgrimage to Pandharpur and are attempting to mislead ‘warkaris’, or devotees of Lord Vitthal.

The remarks come at a time when speculation is rife about a potential merger between the two NCP factions, as Sharad and Ajit Pawar have appeared together at several public events over the past few days.

Addressing the party workers, Pawar said Jayant Patil's proposal will be discussed and deliberated among the senior party leaders before arriving at a decision.