Prashant Jagtap Resigns as NCP-SP Pune Chief, Opposes Merger of Two Party Factions

In a significant political development ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, Prashant Jagtap has stepped down as the Pune city president of the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist congress Party (NCP-SP) and formally exited the party. His resignation comes amid growing speculation about a possible electoral understanding—or even reunification—between the two rival NCP factions.

Jagtap cited prolonged ambiguity over the party’s election strategy and his firm opposition to any merger or alliance between the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP as the primary reasons behind his decision.

Notably, his exit coincides with intensified political chatter suggesting that the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the original NCP under Sharad Pawar may explore a joint strategy for the upcoming civic polls. Jagtap has consistently and publicly opposed such a move, arguing that it would confuse party workers and voters alike.

Despite resigning from both his post and the party’s primary membership, Jagtap made it clear that he is not retiring from active politics. He confirmed that he intends to contest the PMC elections, though he stopped short of revealing whether he would do so as an independent candidate or by aligning with another political party.

Speaking to the media, Jagtap said that over the past 10 to 20 days, there had been constant speculation and internal discussions regarding the party’s electoral approach. According to him, these unresolved deliberations created confusion and instability within the organisation.

“We had collectively discussed how the party should contest the PMC elections and had even prepared a draft manifesto. However, continuous political conjecture and mixed signals led to a lack of clarity,” he said.

Jagtap admitted that the uncertainty had taken a personal toll on him. “The absence of a clear direction caused me immense mental stress. As a committed party worker, I was constantly conflicted about my political responsibility and where I stood. Prolonged uncertainty affects not only one’s political work but also health and personal life,” he stated candidly.

Explaining his decision to resign, Jagtap said stepping aside was the only dignified way to put an end to the confusion. “With due respect to everyone, I have resigned from the post of city president as well as from the primary membership of the NCP (SP),” he announced.

Jagtap’s departure is being seen as a setback for the Sharad Pawar-led faction in Pune, a key political battleground in Maharashtra. As uncertainty continues over the future relationship between the two NCP factions, his resignation underscores the internal tensions and strategic dilemmas facing opposition parties ahead of crucial local body elections.