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Pawar clarified his remarks were not a threat after opposition accused him of trying to influence voters ahead of the Nagar Panchayat polls
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. (PTI/File)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Sunday responded to his heavily criticised remarks linking development funds to voter support in Malegaon, saying the statement was “not a threat.”
During campaigning for the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections on Friday, Pawar had told voters, “I will ensure there is no shortage of funds if you elect all 18 NCP candidates. If you elect all 18 candidates, I am committed to give whatever I have promised. But if you reject, I will also reject. You have votes, I have funds.”
The comment drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accused him of attempting to influence voters using government resources.
Asked about the backlash on Sunday, Pawar said, “How is it a threat? You are looking at the elections elsewhere too. Everyone promises before elections.”
The Deputy Chief Minister added that similar statements have been made by leaders in other states, citing Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, who promised government jobs in every household if his party won the recent Bihar assembly elections. “Everyone has a right to speak; how much to take it or not is up to the people to decide,” he added.
Additionally, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also sought to downplay the controversy, saying such remarks are common during election campaigns.
“Many times lot of things are said in a speech (during election), but it does not mean the same. Even if our ally or someone had said like that, it was not their intention and they would never do such discrimination,” he said, emphasising that the government is committed to development in all regions.
The opposition, however, remains critical. NCP leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule urged the Election Commission to monitor statements linking development funds to voter support, calling it a breach of democratic norms. Party spokesperson Mahesh Tapase demanded immediate action and a public apology from Pawar.
“We should have faith and trust in the Election Commission. But, unfortunately, in the last few years dissatisfaction can be seen with the EC in society and newspapers,” Sule stated.
(With inputs from agencies)
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Maharashtra, India, India
November 23, 2025, 19:02 IST
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