Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has triggered a political row after telling voters in Malegaon that while they cast ballots, he alone decides how government funds are distributed.
Mumbai: Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister, drew criticism during a campaign event in Malegaon, near Baramati, after telling voters that although they exercise their right to vote, the power to allocate development funds lies with him.
Pawar made the remarks while campaigning for Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidates contesting the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections ahead of the first phase of the Maharashtra Local Body Elections scheduled for 2 December, with counting on 3 December.
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Addressing residents of Malegaon, Pawar said that giving votes was the people’s responsibility, but the distribution of government funds was his. He urged voters to elect all 18 NCP candidates in the local body polls, adding that he was prepared to provide everything they had requested if they supported his party. Pawar, known for his sharp and sometimes provocative public comments, warned that if local representatives were not aligned with him, he would have limited influence over how funds were utilised in the area.
He stated that, as the district’s guardian minister, he had Rs 1,400 crore available for allocation and emphasised that cooperation from Malegaon’s elected members was essential for development work. Pawar added that voters should avoid what he described as “narrow-minded” decisions and instead support all NCP candidates to ensure access to funds and projects.
Drawing comparisons with Baramati, his political stronghold, Pawar highlighted the extensive development undertaken there through additional funding beyond regular municipal budgets. He pointed out that Malegaon’s annual budget of five to six crore rupees was insufficient for significant progress and that external resources were necessary, similar to the approach taken in Baramati. He told voters that the choice now rested with them regarding Malegaon’s future development.
Pawar is often credited with transforming Baramati through major infrastructure improvements, upgraded public amenities and sustained civic development, resulting in the constituency becoming a model in Maharashtra. He has secured eight consecutive wins in the assembly seat, supported by a strong local network and reputation for delivering growth-oriented projects.
During the campaign event, Pawar reiterated that only he could bring substantial development funds to Malegaon if the electorate backed the NCP slate, framing his influence over resource allocation as essential for the town’s progress.
Published: 23 Nov 2025, 02:28 pm IST
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