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Ajit Pawar hits out at BJP: ‘It fears losing control over PMC’

On the bitter campaign within NDA partners for the civic polls, Ajit Pawar said the CM has already said the alliance at state and national level will remain intact and will be back to normal after the civic polls.

3 min readPuneUpdated: Jan 13, 2026 08:37 PM IST

Ajit Pawar’s comic timing and earthy wit have remained one of the defining features of his speeches, interactions with the media and public meetings (Source: PTI)

Taking on the BJP, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, for criticising and doubting the promise of free travel in metro and public transport bus made by NCP-NCP (SP) alliance in its manifesto, NCP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said they are not concerned over the economic situation but fear losing political control over the civic body.

“Our rivals are misleading the voters on the promises made by us in the manifesto by saying it is impossible and irresponsible. I could have ignored them but it’s my responsibility to respond to their wrong statements. It’s not a favour to voters or merely an election promise. It’s the right of citizens of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad to benefit from taxpayers money,” he said, adding that the promise was not made in haste but after discussiions with people, surveys, understanding their problems and in consultation with experts.

“Those raising doubts over the promise should recall who is Ajit Pawar, with the vast experience of handling state finance ministry. They are not worried about its economics but fear losing political control in Pune,” said Pawar.

The deputy chief minister said that it was good for the chief minister to raise doubts over the NCP promise as it clears that those holding reins of PMC for previous nine years have not left anything in the treasury of the civic body. Pawar said fewer people travel in Pune metro except during Ganesh festival etc, when people want to avoid getting stuck in traffic for hours. “It is necessary to take daring and strong decisions to resolve the traffic and public transport situation in the city. It is for that reason we took the decision of promising free travel in Pune metro and public bus transport which will increase response to public transport leading to reduction of traffic, air pollution on city roads,” he said, adding this would save a lot of money of people spent on commuting.

On the bitter campaign within NDA partners for the civic polls, Pawar said the CM has already said the alliance at state and national level will remain intact and will be back to normal after the civic polls. “There is nothing like a friendly fight in elections. Those in the fray are each other’s rivals as they are contesting against each other,” he said, on the statement of the CM that the NCP and BJP are in alliance in the state and are having friendly fights in civic polls.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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