If you reject, I will too… You have votes, I have funds: Ajit Pawar to voters

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar drew criticism after telling voters in Baramati’s Malegaon Nagar Panchayat that funds would flow only if his party’s candidates were elected, prompting allegations of voter intimidation from opposition leaders.

The remark has sparked a political row ahead of the December 2 Nagar Panchayat elections.

Ajit Pawar told voters in Baramati that development funds depend on electing his NCP candidates, triggering accusations of intimidation from opposition leaders. (Express Photo by Pavan Khengre)

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday said that he will ensure there is no shortage of funds if voters elect the candidates of his party, but if they rejected him, then he would also “reject” them.

Pawar, the national president of Nationalist Congress Party, was campaigning for elections to the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat in Baramati taluka on Friday.

Pawar, who holds the finance portfolio in the Mahayuti Govt, said “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.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve accused Pawar of threatening voters.

“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?” he asked.

Also Read | Turf war within Mahayuti: BJP workers celebrate rejection of NCP candidate’s nomination in Angar, Ajit Pawar’s party vows to hit back

Elections to Nagar Panchayats are scheduled for December 2. The Pawar-led NCP and a BJP-backed panel have formed an alliance in Malegaon.

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