Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has sparked a political firestorm with his remarks during a campaign rally in Malegaon, Baramati taluka, ahead of the Nagar Panchayat elections. Pawar, who also holds the state’s Finance portfolio, told voters: “You have votes, I have funds.” He added that if they reject his party’s 18 candidates, he would “reject” them back — implying the withdrawal of promised development funds.
Pawar defended his statement later, saying it was not a threat. He clarified that he meant there would be no shortage of funds if all his party’s candidates won and that development schemes from both the Centre and the state could be implemented effectively.
However, his comments have drawn sharp criticism. Opposition leaders argue this is voter intimidation using taxpayer money. Ambadas Danve from Shiv Sena (UBT) said that funds come from the public, not from Pawar personally, and questioned why the Election Commission has not acted against him.
The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) has demanded a public apology and immediate action by the EC, calling Pawar’s remarks a misuse of power.
Elections for the Nagar Panchayats are scheduled for December 2.
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