Rival NCP factions start signature and affidavit campaigns in Pune ahead of poll panel hearing

A large section of NCP leaders and workers are in a quandary as both Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar are important to them.

Pune unit of the Sharad Pawar faction launched a signature campaign urging the party cadres to declare their support to the veteran leader in writing. (Express photo)

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When the Election Commission is set to hear claims to the NCP and its symbol, the Pune unit of the Sharad Pawar faction has launched a signature campaign urging the party cadres to declare their support to the veteran leader in writing.

“The campaign in support of party president Sharad Pawar has been launched under the name Mi Sharad Mitra. This is to identify the supporters by making them sign a form,” city NCP chief Prashant Jagtap said Friday.

The party will hold the campaign at 100 locations across the city and collect at least five lakh signatures, he said, adding, “The NCP has appointed lawyers to present the stand before the Election Commission. However, if need be, the information on Sharad Pawar’s supporters with their signed forms will be submitted to the commission.”

Explained | NCP leadership tussle between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar: How EC resolves these disputes

Jagtap said the state unit could implement the signature campaign across the state if required. “There are a large number of party supporters of the NCP chief in the city who follow the same ideology. It is just to bring them on paper,” he added.

However, this has created problems for NCP workers and leaders who are yet to decide which faction to support. The NCP’s old leaders and a large number of office-bearers have stood by Sharad Pawar since a faction-led by his nephew Ajit Pawar parted ways to join the BJP-led ruling alliance. However, aspiring election candidates supported Ajit Pawar, now a deputy chief minister, causing an open split in the Pune city unit.

Ajit Pawar faction’s affidavit campaign

Pradeep Deshmukh, executive president of the city unit of the rival faction, said the Ajit camp had started collecting affidavits from party workers. “We have decided to give the maximum number of affidavits in support of Ajit Pawar from the city. The process started three weeks ago,” he said, adding that it was natural for both factions to enlist the support of their respective followers so that they can present such data before the Election Commission.

Also Read | After Sharad Pawar warning to Ajit faction, Uddhav Sena says ‘confusion’ has ended, Congress disagrees

A large section of local NCP leaders and workers are wary of taking sides as both the uncle and the nephew are important to them. “We are hopeful that both the factions will come together again and the united NCP will be back. This is the reason we have stayed away from declaring support to any one faction. We don’t want to be in the bad books of any faction as we consider both as our leaders,” said a former NCP corporator.

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Both NCP factions at the state and city levels have been working independently but have not targeted each other aggressively. The meeting between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar has created confusion among party workers who have already taken sides, but raised hopes of reconciliation among those who have not.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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