Factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and his uncle Sharad Pawar will contest the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections together. This was announced by an NCP (SP) leader on January 17, 2026. The announcement comes after a heavy loss for both factions in the Pune civic elections. There, the BJP won a strong 119 seats, while Ajit Pawar's group managed only 27 seats and NCP (SP) three seats. Speaking to reporters, NCP (SP) Maharashtra unit president Shashikant Shinde said, "Both parties had a discussion. We will contest elections to 12 Zilla Parishads together. Also, if there's a need for a friendly contest, we will think about it." He added the party will reflect on its defeat in the Pune civic polls and move ahead. Shinde met Sharad Pawar at an agriculture exhibition in Pune's Baramati tehsil. A meeting also took place at Pawar's home with senior leaders from both factions, including Ajit Pawar, MP Supriya Sule, MLA Rohit Pawar, Jayant Patil, and Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne. The elections for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis in Maharashtra are scheduled for February 5. Vote counting will be done on February 7.