Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has sparked controversy after telling voters in Malegaon that the town would receive ample funds only if they elected candidates from his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Addressing a campaign rally on Friday for the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections in Baramati tehsil, Pawar — who also holds the state finance portfolio — said, “If you elect all 18 NCP candidates, I will ensure there is no shortage of funds But if you reject, I will also reject. You have votes, I have funds.”
His remarks drew sharp criticism from the Opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve accused Pawar of issuing threats to voters and questioned the Election Commission’s silence. Danve argued that government funds come from public taxes, not from Pawar personally.
The Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections will be held on December 2. In the town, Pawar’s NCP has allied with a BJP-backed panel.
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