In a rare political development in Maharashtra, estranged cousins Supriya Sule and Ajit Pawar appeared together on a public stage on Saturday for the first time since the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) split in 2023, signaling a tactical thaw ahead of crucial civic elections.

The two factions—the NCP, led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), headed by Sharad Pawar—jointly released their manifesto for the upcoming Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporation elections, scheduled for January 15.

The joint appearance marked the first time in over two years that Supriya Sule, NCP (SP) working president and Lok Sabha MP, shared a political platform with Ajit Pawar, following a bitter organisational and family feud.

The alliance is striking given the parties’ contrasting alignments: Ajit Pawar’s NCP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance with the BJP, while NCP (SP) is a constituent of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. Despite their rivalry at the state level, the two factions have decided to contest the civic polls together, with leaders from NCP (SP) actively participating in the manifesto launch.

The manifesto focuses on everyday civic issues, including assured tap water, traffic decongestion, pothole-free roads, improved cleanliness, hi-tech healthcare facilities, pollution control, and slum rehabilitation. It also promises free travel on PMPML buses and metro services, property tax waivers for homes up to 500 sq ft, and free computer tablets for students.

While remaining part of the BJP-led governments at the state and Centre, Ajit Pawar targeted the local BJP leadership, accusing it of stalling development in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad despite substantial government funding.