'You have votes, I have funds...': Ajit Pawar warns voters
What's the story
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has sparked a political controversy with his recent comments at a campaign rally in Malegaon. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader asked voters to support his party's candidates in the upcoming local body elections if they want to receive development funds, according to India Today. "The vote is in your hands, and the fund is in my hand," he said, asking residents to vote for all 18 candidates from his panel.
Election promises
Pawar's assurances and opposition criticism
Pawar assured Malegaon residents that their town would develop like Baramati if they supported his panel. "If you give me victory for all 18 candidates, I am ready to deliver everything that I have promised. But if you cross-mark me (our candidates), I will also cross-mark you," he said. However, his remarks have drawn flak. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve accused him of threatening voters and alleged inaction by the Election Commission of India.
Political fallout
Congress chief accuses Pawar of securing favors
"Funds are given from the taxes paid by the common people and not from Ajit Pawar's house. If a leader like Pawar is threatening voters, what is the Election Commission doing?" Danve asked. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal also slammed Pawar's comments and claimed there was deepening discord within the Mahayuti alliance. He alleged that Pawar had rushed to New Delhi to obtain a clean chit for his son, Parth, in the Pune land deal case.
Upcoming elections
Maharashtra Nagar Panchayat elections scheduled for December 2
Pawar recently contested elections for the Malegaon Sugar Factory. His involvement in the poll, despite holding the Deputy Chief Minister's portfolio, made the election a high-stakes battle. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Nagar Panchayat elections, including Malegaon, will be held on December 2. The NCP, led by Pawar, has allied with a BJP-backed panel for these polls.