The electoral contest for the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has taken an unexpectedly acrimonious turn, with ruling Mahayuti partners BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP engaging in a fierce public spat. The clash starkly contradicts the earlier claims of a "friendly fight" made by senior leaders from both sides.
From Allies to Adversaries: The War of Words Escalates
As campaigning intensified, leaders from both parties abandoned restraint and launched direct attacks. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, while largely avoiding criticism of the BJP's state and national leadership, repeatedly targeted the party's local figures. He singled out BJP MLAs Mahesh Landge and Shankar Jagtap, accusing them of corruption and intimidation in connection with PCMC contracts.
"People are threatening citizens. I want to tell them that I can also respond in the same language. I do not mess with anyone, but if someone does, I do not spare them," Ajit Pawar declared at public meetings, directing his remarks particularly at Landge.
A Former Aide Hits Back With Scam Allegations
After initially staying silent, MLA Mahesh Landge issued a sharp rebuttal. Referring to Ajit Pawar's warning, Landge retorted, "If he is talking about teaching us a lesson, we are also not wearing bangles. We are ready to respond in the same language." He went on the offensive by invoking past allegations against the NCP leader.
Landge cited the Mundhwa land deal and the Jarandeshwar Sugar Mill case, accusing Ajit Pawar of wrongdoing. In a pointed political jab, Landge claimed, "The moment Prime Minister Narendra Modi said those involved in the Rs 70,000-crore scam would be punished, he (Ajit Pawar) joined hands with BJP." This was a reference to the irrigation scam allegations that have long followed Ajit Pawar.
Interestingly, Landge was once a close associate of Ajit Pawar, along with late MLA Laxman Jagtap, brother of Shankar Jagtap. Both later switched to the BJP, with Landge joining in 2017 and becoming a trusted aide of Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.
The Battle for a Former Stronghold
The political vitriol underscores the high stakes in Pimpri Chinchwad. The PCMC was considered an NCP stronghold, dominated by Ajit Pawar for nearly three decades, until the BJP wrested control in 2017. The current election is a crucial test for both parties within the alliance.
The exchange grew even more personal as Ajit Pawar labelled Landge the "leader of corruption" in the city, to which Landge responded by terming Ajit Pawar the "leader of corruption" in the entire state.
Adding to the BJP's discomfort, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday backed his uncle Ajit Pawar's allegations. Speaking to reporters, Rohit Pawar stated, "When residents talk about corruption, they take only one name — Mahesh Landge. From water supply to waste management, he is involved in corruption in all contracts."
This very public feud between alliance partners reveals the underlying tensions and competitive spirit as both parties jostle for dominance ahead of the crucial civic polls, turning a supposed friendly contest into a bitterly fought battle.
