MUMBAI: Laying out its election strategy ahead of the forthcoming municipal elections, the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) on Monday said it will contest all municipal corporations across Maharashtra, positioning itself as a people-centric alternative focused on urban governance and civic issues.The party welcomed the Election Commission’s announcement to hold municipal elections in the state on January 15, calling it a crucial step towards strengthening grassroots democracy and urban local self-governance.NCP-SP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said the party is fully prepared to face the polls under the “visionary and steadfast leadership” of Sharad Pawar. He said the campaign will centre on transparency, accountability and sustainable urban development, with a sharp focus on everyday civic concerns such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply and employment.“These municipal elections give citizens an opportunity to assess the performance of those in power and to choose leadership that truly understands the complexities of urban challenges,” Tapase said.Taking a swipe at the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Tapase described the coalition as inherently unstable and predicted that it would “sink under its own weight.” He alleged that the alliance partners are locked in constant internal competition, more intent on political one-upmanship than on public welfare.“This internal power struggle will be clearly visible during the municipal elections, where allies will, in effect, be fighting one another,” he said.Tapase further claimed that voters across Maharashtra are increasingly disillusioned with what he termed opportunistic politics and are seeking experienced and credible leadership. “The NCP has consistently demonstrated these qualities under Sharad Pawar’s leadership,” he said.“The party is ready to face the electorate with confidence, clarity and commitment. We believe the upcoming municipal elections will signal a decisive shift in Maharashtra’s urban political landscape,” Tapase added.
