PUNe, Dec. 25 -- As the two NCP factions head toward reunification, NCP (SP) city unit president Prashant Jagtap tendered his resignation on Wednesday, submitting it to state president Shashikant Shinde. "I am always thankful to Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule. Voters supported me in the Assembly elections when I contested against the NCP led by Ajit Pawar. I must respect that mandate and stand by my position," Jagtap said. He added that he would continue in active politics and contest the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. "Many leaders have left the party to join the BJP, but I am not doing that. I am stepping aside based on my own stand, while maintaining cordial relations. I decided to keep away so that there is no hurdle in the alliance," Jagtap said. Responding to the development, party leader Supriya Sule said Jagtap had been communicating more through the media than with the party leadership. "In politics, we must listen to party workers. A majority of workers are in favour of an alliance, and in a democracy, we must respect their voice. Ultimately, we would have followed the guidance of Sharad Pawar," Sule said. Jagtap had earlier taken a firm stand against any alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. "I am happy that the Pawar family is coming together. However, as I had stated earlier, if both factions reunited, I would not be part of it," Jagtap said....