Malegaon, November 22, 2025 – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has sparked a significant political controversy with remarks made during a campaign rally in Malegaon, Baramati tehsil, ahead of the Nagar Panchayat elections scheduled for December 2. Addressing voters, Pawar stated that while they possess votes, he controls the allocation of funds, implying that financial support for the town would be contingent on the election of all 18 candidates from his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and its alliance with a BJP-backed panel.

"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," Pawar reportedly said during the rally. He further warned that a failure to back all NCP candidates would result in him also "rejecting" the voters in return.

Pawar's comments, made on Friday, have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who accuse him of threatening and intimidating voters. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve was particularly vocal, asserting that funds allocated to the municipality come from taxpayers, not from Pawar's personal wealth. Danve questioned the silence of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the face of what he described as blatant threats to the electorate. "Funds are given from the taxes paid by the common people and not from Ajit Pawar's house," Danve stated. "If a leader like Pawar is threatening voters, what is the Election Commission doing?".

The controversy has erupted in the lead-up to the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections, where the Pawar-led NCP has allied with a BJP-supported panel. Pawar's remarks have intensified the political atmosphere, drawing scrutiny to his dual role as both Deputy Chief Minister and a key figure in the local elections.

According to ANI News, Pawar urged voters to cast aside other considerations and support his party to ensure the continued development of Malegaon. He pledged to replicate the development seen in Baramati, a region he previously allocated significant funds to, if the NCP candidates were victorious. "Now remove all other thoughts from your mind. If you give me victory for all 18 candidates, I am ready to deliver everything that I have promised," Pawar stated.

Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal has also weighed in on the controversy, alleging internal strife within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Sapkal claimed a "gang war" was unfolding between the BJP and its partners, accusing the BJP of attempting to poach Shiv Sena leaders ahead of the local elections. Sapkal further accused Pawar of seeking intervention from Delhi to secure a clean chit for his son, Parth Pawar, in connection with a Pune land deal case.

The Election Commission is yet to respond to the allegations of voter intimidation. The upcoming Nagar Panchayat elections on December 2 are expected to be closely contested amid the heightened political tensions.