Can Ajit Pawar Defeat BJP in His Stronghold? NCP and BJP Face Off on 44 Seats Amid Rising Tensions

Mumbai/Pune: The political battle in Maharashtra is heating up as Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) goes head-to-head against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming municipal elections. With recent statements from Pawar stirring the political waters, the contest in Pimpri-Chinchwad, his stronghold, has become particularly high-stakes.

Direct Clash in Pimpri-Chinchwad
While the NCP is part of the Mahayuti alliance led by the BJP in some regions, in Pimpri-Chinchwad, the two parties are in a direct contest for 44 seats. This has prevented a local alliance, making the elections a litmus test for Pawar’s influence. Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has 32 wards, with four councillors elected per ward, totaling 128 seats. In 2026, 692 candidates are competing, with BJP candidates Ravi Landge and Supriya Chandgude elected unopposed.

High Tensions After Controversial Statements
The tension between BJP and NCP escalated after central minister Muralidhar Mohol accused the NCP of fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds. In response, Ajit Pawar pointed out that similar allegations had been made against him regarding a ₹70,000 crore irrigation scam, yet those who accused him are now alliance partners. Pawar emphasized that a person is not guilty until proven so, a statement interpreted as a sharp rebuttal to the BJP.

BJP Maharashtra president Ravindra Chavan reacted, warning that if BJP responds directly, it could put Pawar in a difficult position. Pawar also alleged corruption in Pimpri-Chinchwad, claiming to have evidence, further intensifying the political heat.

NCP Mobilizes Strength, BJP Confident
In Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune municipal corporations, Ajit Pawar’s NCP, aligned with Sharad Pawar’s faction, is working to regain lost ground. Pune is considered a stronghold for Pawar. Meanwhile, BJP Pimpri-Chinchwad president Shatrughna Kate asserted that the election is primarily a contest between BJP and NCP, expressing confidence that BJP will defeat NCP candidates. NCP leader Yogesh Bahl maintained that whether the contest is direct or multi-party, the NCP is confident of defeating BJP candidates.

Historical Context
BJP had ruled Pimpri-Chinchwad from 2017 to 2022, winning 78 of 128 seats in the municipal elections and ending 25 years of NCP dominance. Now, NCP aims to reclaim power by defeating BJP in this high-stakes face-off.

With 44 seats directly contested and political rhetoric intensifying, the Pimpri-Chinchwad elections have become a high-voltage battleground, drawing attention across Maharashtra.