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New Delhi: Ahead of the crucial civic body elections, Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar reunited to reclaim Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, the Nationalist Congress Party’s traditional strongholds. The poll result was a massive shock to them, as the BJP effortlessly crossed the majority threshold in both cities.
Even though the Pawars gave an aggressive, joint push to the campaign, the electorate apparently voted against them, sending a clear message against the family reunion. The voters favoured the BJP in both the politically vibrant municipal polls.
Early results show that in Pune, the BJP is cruising ahead with leads in 52 wards, comfortably crossing the majority mark. Ajit Pawar’s NCP is ahead in only five wards, and the Sharad Pawar–NCP-SP alliance in two.
Congress, which tied up with Uddhav and Raj Thackeray’s parties, is leading in five wards, while the Thackeray factions are trailing in all. The Thackeray-led parties are not leading even in a single ward in the city.
The Shiv Sena, going alone under Eknath Shinde, has so far failed to secure any seats in Pune.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is one of India’s richest civic bodies after the BMC. It has long been a NCP bastion. However, this time BJP is set to wrest control from NCP in PCMC. Current trends show the BJP leading in 74 wards, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP is winning in 40 and Sharad Pawar’s faction in just one. The Thackeray-led group is currently ahead in one ward, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena leads in 10.
The unity of Pawars has failed to translate into votes.
Ajit Pawar carried out a high-voltage municipal campaign, raising expectations that the NCP will give a tough fight to the BJP.
From January 2 until the final day of campaigning on January 13, Ajit emphasised almost entirely on BJP rule in Pimpri-Chinchwad. He repeatedly accused the party of widespread corruption during its nine years in power — first under an elected body and later under an administrator.
He also flagged stalled infrastructure projects, deteriorating traffic congestion, the alleged rise of a tanker mafia, and controversial dog sterilisation drives during the pandemic. However, these failed to strike a chord in the voters.
The BJP did not engage in responding to the allegations. They only cited past corruption cases against him, including the irrigation scam. However, their campaign was largely avoided personal attacks on Ajit. CM Devendra Fadnavis attacked Ajit on some occasions, but kept them mellowed.
Pune recorded a voter turnout of 52.42 per cent, while Pimpri-Chinchwad saw 57.71 per cent. These are way short to suggest a strong anti-incumbency wave or opposition mobilisation.
