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NCP (SP), Ajit’s NCP likely to tie up for PMC polls: Prashant Jagtap quits party

Jagtap said he along with supporters had prepared a strategy for the civic polls but certain things cropped up “putting me in confusion”.

3 min readPuneDec 24, 2025 10:09 PM IST

While a section of party leaders from the city said they are in favour of a tie-up with Ajit Pawar’s NCP, others said those looking to contest in the PMC elections should be “given justice”.

In Mumbai, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have forged an alliance for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections (File Photo)

With NCP (SP) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP likely to join hands for the PMC polls, city NCP (SP) chief Prashant Jagtap on Wednesday quit the party but said he would contest the civic polls and fight against the BJP.

“I have been with the NCP and then NCP (SP) for 26 years, six months and 14 days under the leadership of Sharad Pawar since 1996. I worked under Ajit Pawar as well as Supriya Sule. I rose from grassroots to president in the local unit of the party. I was indebted to them. I was the mayor of the city because of them,” said Jagtap, adding his growth was due to the Pawar family.

He said, “I am ending my journey with the party. I have taken the decision to quit the NCP (SP) after discussing the situation with my supporters in the electoral ward in Wanowrie. I will be contesting the civic polls for sure but have not taken any decision of seeking candidature of any political party.”

Jagtap said he along with supporters had prepared a strategy for the civic polls but certain things cropped up “putting me in confusion”. “I will continue to be in politics and will continue to fight for the interest of the city. I don’t want to be in confusion for long so I sent my resignation to the state NCP (SP) chief,” he said.

Jagtap said he had a discussion with NCP (SP) chief, party executive president and state party chief on his stand. “Whatever my political journey will be in future, I will not have anything wrong against NCP or its leaders. I have not explored any alternative political party. I will talk to my supporters,” he said.

Jagtap said he stood by NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar in the last two and half years for two reasons which are — “veteran leader Sharad Pawar himself, whom he follows” and “also due to my upbringing in an area which has all communities and a progressive society”. “My decision is not against the decision or leadership of the NCP (SP). I am also not under the impression that I am putting my party in trouble. I am a very small person,” he said.

Jagtap said he had contested the Assembly election last year against a political party and it was wrong for him to join hands with a party against whom he had fought as it would affect his image and credibility among his supporters and voters. “I have a political career. I am not against anyone in NCP (SP),” he said. “The NCP (SP) was my asset so I don’t want to speak on it further. I still consider Sharad Pawar as my leader,” said Jagtap.

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NCP (SP) executive president Supriya Sule said she was ready to hold discussion with Jagtap and would consider all his views.

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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