Maharashtra's Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, publicly reprimanded Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar on Tuesday for his recent criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Bawankule, a senior BJP leader, stated it was inappropriate for Pawar, a top leader of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, to target his own coalition partner.
Reminder of Public Praise and Alliance Decorum
Bawankule pointed out the contradiction in Ajit Pawar's stance. He reminded everyone that Pawar had, on multiple occasions, publicly praised the significant development work in Pune under the BJP-led state government. This praise was even offered at events where Pawar shared the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
"Ajit Pawar is one of the top three leaders in Mahayuti and he should not have criticised BJP in such a manner," Bawankule asserted during a press conference in Pune. While stating he was not in a position to advise Pawar personally, the minister highlighted a resolution passed by the Mahayuti coordinating committee, of which he is a member. The resolution explicitly calls for alliance partners to refrain from criticising each other.
"It is expected from Ajit Pawar that he complies with it," Bawankule added. He contrasted this with the conduct of Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, who, according to him, did not criticise the NCP or any other partner during the recent municipal council and ongoing corporation elections.
Development as Poll Plank and a Veiled Warning
Addressing allegations that the BJP has not executed enough development projects within the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) limits, Bawankule offered a robust defence. He said he was prepared to provide a detailed list of works completed over the last five years. The BJP is contesting the civic polls primarily on its development agenda, he emphasised.
Expressing strong confidence, the minister predicted that the BJP would secure more than 51% of the seats in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). He based this optimism on the party's past performance, noting that the people of Pune supported the BJP in both the Lok Sabha and the state assembly elections.
Bawankule also issued a subtle but clear warning to those within the alliance who criticise the BJP. "Those criticising BJP should remember that if we go into details, then there are many pages of history. But no one wants to go that path right now," he stated, hinting at potential political repercussions if the attacks continue.
Alliance Dynamics and Future Projections
On the local political front in Pune, Bawankule revealed that while the BJP and Shiv Sena attempted to form an electoral alliance for the civic polls, the negotiations were unsuccessful. Consequently, both parties are now engaged in what he termed "friendly fights" in various wards.
The minister also touched upon the BJP's growing appeal, denying that the party forces anyone to join its ranks. He claimed that individuals are voluntarily inspired to join the BJP because of the development work it has carried out across Maharashtra.
As the civic elections progress, Bawankule's statements underscore the underlying tensions within the Mahayuti alliance while projecting a united front based on a shared development record. The BJP's strategy remains firmly anchored in showcasing its governance achievements in Pune and beyond.
