Maharashtra civic polls: NCP in talks with Shiv Sena over seats in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, says Ajit Pawar

PUNE: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday said his NCP is in discussions with Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, over seat sharing for the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls.Speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the ‘Jay Stambh’ near Pune on the 208th anniversary of the Koregaon Bhima battle, Pawar said the seat-sharing picture will be clearer after nomination papers are scrutinised and withdrawals completed. Earlier, the party had announced an alliance with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) for the two municipal corporations. NCP and Shiv Sena are part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition along with BJP, while NCP (SP) is in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. However, state-level alliances have become fluid this year, with parties joining rival camps in several cities.The nomination process for the January 15 polls began on December 23 and ended on December 30. The last date for withdrawal is January 2, with the final candidate list to be published on January 3.On questions about tickets given to candidates with criminal backgrounds, Pawar said, “We have already forged an alliance with RPI (Sachin Kharat faction). We are contesting in alliance with NCP (SP) in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. We are also having talks with Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant. Possibly, we will come to an understanding over some seats with Shiv Sena for these civic bodies.”He added that the RPI (Sachin Kharat faction) had the discretion to nominate candidates, including Sonali Andekar, daughter-in-law of gang leader Suryakant, alias Bandu Andekar, and his sister-in-law Laxmi Andekar in Pune.Elections to 29 municipal corporations in the state, including Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for the next day.