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The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has announced that it will be contesting the upcoming civic elections in Maharashtra independently, marking a shift in strategy for the party. This decision comes amidst reports of local leaders and party cadres shifting loyalties after the NCP's disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha polls. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is facing pressure to prove his political mettle in the forthcoming assembly elections, made the announcement while addressing the city unit of the NCP.
Pawar emphasized the party's intention to contest the assembly elections in alliance with other parties, but reiterated their independent approach to the civic polls. This declaration has been met with mixed reactions, with some analysts speculating that it could be a strategic move to regain control over the party's grassroots organization, which has been weakened by the recent departures of some leaders. Pawar acknowledged that some local leaders in Pimpri Chinchwad left the party due to perceived limitations on their growth within the alliance structure. However, he emphasized that the majority of the party cadre remains loyal to the NCP.
The decision to contest the civic polls independently could also be seen as an attempt by the NCP to differentiate itself from its alliance partners and carve out a distinct space for itself in the political landscape. By going solo, the party hopes to showcase its strength and appeal to local voters. However, the move also carries risks, as the NCP could potentially be disadvantaged in a multi-party contest, especially given the recent exodus of some leaders. Only time will tell if this strategic shift will pay off for the NCP in the upcoming civic elections.
Source: NCP will contest Maharashtra civic polls independently: Ajit Pawar