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Ajit Pawar Accepts Civic Poll Defeat, Vows to Rebuild NCP's Strength

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has officially conceded defeat for his NCP faction in several key municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra. The party faced significant losses in its traditional bastions of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, where the BJP took a commanding lead. Political observers note that Ajit Pawar's strategy of "friendly fights" against alliance partner BJP backfired, potentially splitting the Pawar family legacy vote. This outcome is viewed as a critical signal for the shifting power dynamics within the ruling Mahayuti alliance ahead of the 2029 state Assembly elections.

Key Points: Ajit Pawar Concedes Defeat in Maharashtra Civic Polls

  • NCP suffers major losses in Pune and PCMC
  • Defeat deals blow to Ajit Pawar's political standing
  • Strategy of friendly fights against BJP backfired
  • Results signal shifting power ahead of 2029 state polls
2 min read

'Public's mandate is supreme': Ajit Pawar accepts defeat in civic polls, vows to rebuild NCP

NCP chief Ajit Pawar accepts the public's mandate after major losses in key municipal corporations, pledging to rebuild trust ahead of 2029.

"The public's mandate is supreme, and we accept it with complete respect. - Ajit Pawar"

Pune, Jan 16

Following the near-clear results of the 29 municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar has officially conceded defeat in several key urban centres.

Taking to his official X handle, he stated that he accepts the public's verdict with "full respect". "The public's mandate is supreme, and we accept it with complete respect. I heartily congratulate all the winning candidates and wish them success in their upcoming terms," said DCM Pawar.

Addressing the party's failure to meet expectations, he added: "In this local body election, where we did not achieve the expected success, I assure you that we will work with more responsibility, honesty and double the vigour to regain the public's trust." He urged the winning candidates to prioritise public issues and accelerate development work. At the same time, he encouraged those who lost to remain dedicated to public service, stating that "serving the public must always remain the central goal".

The results represent a significant blow to Ajit Pawar's individual political standing in western Maharashtra. Despite deciding to contest independently (separate from Mahayuti partners BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena) in his traditional bastions to prove his "original" NCP's strength, the party faced major losses in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad (PCMC).

Once considered the personal fortress of the Pawar family, both corporations have seen a commanding lead and victory for the BJP, leaving Ajit Pawar's faction in a distant third or fourth place.

In Mumbai and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the party failed to make a significant impact, struggling to secure even double-digit seats in the BMC. Political observers note that Ajit Pawar's strategy of "friendly fights" against the BJP backfired.

The results suggest that the "Pawar legacy" vote may have split between his faction and that of his uncle Sharad Pawar, ultimately benefiting the BJP. This defeat in the 2026 civic polls is being viewed as a critical signal ahead of the 2029 state Assembly elections, indicating a shifting power dynamic within the Mahayuti alliance.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The Pawar family's stronghold is finally breaking. This is democracy in action! Voters are tired of dynastic politics and want development. BJP's lead in Pune and PCMC shows people are looking for change. Good lesson for all parties.
A
Aman W
Respect for accepting the verdict. But the split in the NCP vote between Ajit dada and Sharad Pawar saheb only helped the BJP. When will our regional leaders understand that unity is strength? This internal fight has cost them dearly. 🤦‍♂️
P
Priyanka N
As a Punekar, I'm not surprised. The condition of roads, water supply, and public transport has been pathetic. We voted for the candidate who we felt would work, not just the party name. Hope the new corporators remember why they were elected.
D
David E
Interesting to see the political dynamics in Maharashtra. The "friendly fight" strategy seems to have been a major miscalculation. This could really reshape the alliance before the state elections. A sobering moment for Ajit Pawar's faction.
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Kavitha C
His statement is dignified, I'll give him that. "Public's mandate is supreme" – if only all losing candidates had this attitude. Now the winning side must show they are better. The real work starts today for BMC and other corporations. Jai Maharashtra!

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