In a notable political event, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and his cousin Supriya Sule, shared a stage in Pune on January 10, 2026, to jointly release their manifesto for the upcoming Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections. This marked the first instance of the estranged cousins appearing together on a political platform since the bitter split of the NCP in July 2023, where Ajit Pawar aligned with the Eknath Shinde-led government. The joint manifesto, unveiled ahead of the January 15 civic polls, signals a significant tactical truce between the two factions, despite their differing alliances at the state level. Ajit Pawar's faction is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, while Supriya Sule's NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) is a constituent of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. The manifesto focuses on addressing key civic issues in Pune, including assured tap water supply, easing traffic congestion, ensuring pothole-free roads, improving cleanliness, and providing hi-tech healthcare services, pollution control, and slum rehabilitation. Key promises also include free travel on PMPML buses and metro services, a waiver of property tax for houses up to 500 square feet, and free computer tablets for students. Ajit Pawar hinted at the potential for a more permanent alliance, stating that there are "no permanent enemies" in politics, while Supriya Sule remained guarded on questions about a complete reunification of the party. The move is widely seen as a strategic effort to consolidate the Pawar family's traditional stronghold and prevent a division of votes that could benefit rival parties, particularly the BJP, which held power in both civic bodies from 2017 to 2022. Despite his state alliance with the BJP, Ajit Pawar used the occasion to criticize the local BJP leadership for allegedly stalling development in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The event underscores the dynamic nature of Maharashtra politics, where local electoral considerations can lead to temporary alliances even between ideologically divergent or previously feuding political entities.