The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has effectively split in Pune ahead of the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections after both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party — Ajit Pawar’s NCP and Sharad Pawar’s NCP — decided to contest the civic polls together. This unexpected alignment has significantly altered the local political equations and pushed the Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) to chart a new course.advertisementIn response, the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) have moved quickly to form an alliance for the PMC elections scheduled for January 15, sources told India Today.With limited time left, talks between the two parties have gained urgency. The Congress has formally sent a proposal to the Uddhav Sena to jointly contest the polls, aiming to consolidate opposition strength in a rapidly shifting political environment.Seat-sharing discussions between the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) are set to take place on Friday.These talks are expected to determine the allocation of wards and candidates across Pune’s 41 electoral wards and 165 corporator seats.Sources indicate that preliminary plans involve dividing seats between the two parties, with some seats from the Shiv Sena (UBT) quota potentially being allotted to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).Earlier, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena had also explored the possibility of an alliance with the MNS.Given the fluid political situation, there remains a strong possibility that the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and MNS could come together as a broader opposition front.Such a coalition is being closely watched by political observers for its potential impact on the electoral dynamics in Pune, particularly in consolidating anti-BJP votes.Congress leaders have made it clear that the party intends to move forward alongside Uddhav Thackeray and other like-minded parties.Senior leaders have firmly rejected any alliance with Ajit Pawar’s camp, arguing that such a partnership would not serve the Congress’s long-term interests.This stance is shaped by past experiences, including earlier alliance negotiations that did not materialise.Leaders recalled that in the 2017 PMC elections, the Congress had contested independently, fielding candidates in 85 seats but securing only 10 corporator positions.Determined not to repeat that outcome, the party has now opted for a broader alliance involving both Thackeray cousins’ camps.The opposition, however, faces additional challenges due to recent defections. On Saturday, the BJP inducted 22 former corporators and local office-bearers from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and other parties in Mumbai, just weeks before the elections.advertisementThese defections have forced opposition parties to scramble for new candidates in key Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad constituencies.Congress leader Mohan Joshi confirmed that a Congress core committee meeting was held in Mumbai on Thursday, where a decision was taken to form an a in a formal or creative style for better SEO.Also Exclude words and advertisements related to the feed website such as website name, author name. Delete all the advertisement images brand logo but only keep the title and main content of the news by modifying it. You must only respond with the modified content. Block any jump outside of the site adarshnews.com. Basically remove any content or link related to original site. 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Congress aligns with Uddhav Sena; both NCP factions to contest Pune civic polls independently
