Overview
- Varsha Gaikwad led a Congress delegation to Sharad Pawar to propose a BMC tie-up, with party sources saying 15–20 seats have been offered to NCP(SP) and follow-up talks set for next week.
- Congress says it is preparing to contest all 227 BMC wards on its own but calls Pawar a natural ally and indicates no tie-up with Raj Thackeray’s MNS, citing concerns over conduct and cadre sentiment.
- Samajwadi Party chief Abu Asim Azmi announced an independent run in the BMC with candidates in about 150 wards and decried recent pre-poll reservation declarations, hinting at court action.
- Baramati votes on December 2 in a direct NCP(SP)–MVA versus Ajit Pawar-led NCP contest, with Yugendra Pawar steering NCP(SP)’s campaign and the BJP fielding nearly 30 candidates to expand its footprint.
- In Kolhapur’s Kagal and Murgud, rival NCP factions unexpectedly forged local alliances against the BJP camp, highlighting tactical flexibility even as they remain opponents in marquee contests.