Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday (January 3, 2026) said the Ajit Pawar-led NCP should merge with the NCP (SP) headed by his uncle Sharad Pawar, as both factions have joined hands for elections to the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic bodies.
Mr. Raut also asked why Ajit Pawar is in the Mahayuti Government, a day after the NCP chief alleged corruption in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), which had been ruled by the BJP.
The Mahayuti comprises the BJP, the Shiv Sena, headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Mr. Raut said, “The BJP and Ajit Pawar have accused each other of corruption.”
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“Then why are you in the government? He [Ajit Pawar] should come back to Sharad Pawar. Now that you have allied Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, Ajit Pawar should leave the BJP-led government, and merge [the NCP] with the original NCP [SP],” Mr. Raut told reporters.
