Pune News: Political Tensions Resurface In Purandar As Shivtare Accuses NCP Of Undermining Mahayuti Alliance
Pune News: Political Tensions Resurface In Purandar As Shivtare Accuses NCP Of Undermining Mahayuti Alliance
In a renewed flare-up of political tensions, Shiv Sena leader Vijay Shivtare has accused the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of fielding a candidate against him in Purandar, despite the alliance between Shiv Sena, NCP, and BJP under the Mahayuti coalition. Shivtare, who is standing as the only candidate from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in Pune district, expressed frustration after NCP-backed candidate Sambhaji Zende filed his nomination, creating a triangular race with Congress MLA Sanjay Jagtap.
Shivtare and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, deputy chief minister, previously appeared to reconcile ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the entry of Zende, a supporter of Pawar, into the Purandar race has reignited hostilities. Shivtare had previously hinted at running independently against the Pawar family but withdrew after mediation from Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis. He later supported Pawar’s wife, Sunetra, with an agreement for developmental support in Purandar.
The rivalry between Shivtare and Pawar stretches back to 2019, when Pawar defeated Shivtare in a heated electoral battle. Expressing disappointment at recent developments, Shivtare said, “It is unfortunate that despite supporting Ajit Dada in the Lok Sabha election, they have fielded a candidate against me.”
While Zende confirmed his commitment to contesting, Pawar declined to comment, noting he preferred not to disrupt the coalition’s unity.
