Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has not dismissed the possibility of a future reunification between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar. Speaking to the media on the final day of campaigning for the January 15 civic body elections, Fadnavis described their current local understanding in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad as a "limited, local arrangement". He emphasized that the two sides have not formally merged and that their cooperation in these municipal corporations is likely a strategy to "keep their flock together" in tightly contested races. The Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, whose faction is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, justified the local alliance with Sharad Pawar's group. He explained that a united front would prevent the division of votes, thereby improving electoral prospects in the upcoming civic polls. Pawar also stressed that this local arrangement would not impact his existing equations with Chief Minister Fadnavis at the state level. Fadnavis's cautious stance stems from Maharashtra's recent political history, particularly the events of 2019, when unexpected alliances reshaped the state's political landscape. The news highlights the complex and fluid nature of Maharashtra politics, where family dynamics and electoral strategies often intertwine, especially during local body elections. Multiple credible sources like Times Now and The Economic Times have also reported on these political developments, corroborating the story's core claims. The statement from Fadnavis adds significant weight to ongoing speculation about the long-term political alignment of the Pawar family.