The political atmosphere in Pune intensified this weekend as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders traded sharp accusations over corruption and candidate selection for the upcoming civic polls.
BJP Chief's Stern Warning to Ajit Pawar
On Saturday, BJP's Maharashtra unit president, Ravindra Chavan, issued a strong warning to NCP chief Ajit Pawar. Chavan stated that Pawar should scrutinize his own actions before leveling corruption charges against the BJP. This response came a day after Pawar alleged corruption in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation during the BJP's tenure.
"He should be careful while making such statements and understand that if we start speaking (against him), it will create a lot of problems for him," Chavan told reporters in Pune. He challenged Pawar to clarify if he was speaking against the party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the state.
Chavan further suggested that if Pawar had genuine concerns about corruption, he should approach investigating agencies instead of making media statements just before elections.
Ajit Pawar's Defense of Candidate Selection
The controversy also revolves around the NCP's decision to support candidates who are relatives of known gangsters in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections. Earlier this week, Pune MP and BJP's district in-charge Murlidhar Mohol criticized this move.
Ajit Pawar, however, defended the decision on Saturday, drawing a distinction between a criminal and their family. "If a criminal commits a murder, how can his family be held responsible for his crime?" Pawar questioned. He asserted that he would not support anyone found guilty of a crime but stood by the families.
The NCP has fielded gangster Gajanan Marne's wife from the Bavdhan-Bhusari Colony ward. Furthermore, through its alliance with the Republican Party of India (Kharat), kin of gangster Bandu Andekar—his sister-in-law Laxmi and daughter-in-law Sonali—have received tickets from the Raviwar Peth-Nana Peth ward.
Counter-Allegations and Political Repercussions
While avoiding a direct response to Chavan's warning, Ajit Pawar shifted focus to allegations of mismanagement during the BJP's rule in the Pune Municipal Corporation from 2017 to 2022. He claimed that civic issues in Pune worsened during this period due to a combination of corruption and poor governance, which derailed the city's development.
Adding another layer to the drama, BJP leader Navneet Rana commented on Ajit Pawar's stance, reminding everyone of the NCP leader's political journey. "With the support of CM Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Dada formed this entire party. They formed the govt. No one should cross their limits while speaking..." Rana stated, alluding to the complex political alliances of the past.
This exchange highlights the fierce political battle brewing in Pune ahead of the municipal polls, with both major parties attempting to corner each other on issues of ethics and governance.
