Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has launched a scathing critique against political parties contesting the upcoming Pune municipal elections, accusing them of hypocrisy for distributing election tickets to individuals with criminal backgrounds. He stated this blatantly contradicts their public vows to ensure crime-free governance.
A Direct Contradiction to Public Promises
Addressing the issue, Fadnavis pointed to the repeated assurances made by various political figures about cracking down on notorious gangs like the "Koyta gang" in Pune. He expressed his dismay that the same voices are now actively supporting and nominating candidates with criminal records. "This is absolutely wrong," the Chief Minister asserted.
He posed a direct question to the political establishment, highlighting Pune's approximate population of 6 lakhs. "Why was it necessary to give tickets to people with criminal backgrounds as candidates? Everyone says and believes that crime should be eradicated," Fadnavis remarked. He recalled numerous speeches where leaders promised to eliminate crime from Pune, only to now back candidates with dubious records.
Clear Warning: Victory Leads to Jail, Not Office
The Chief Minister, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, issued a stern warning. He expressed confidence that the people of Pune would reject such candidates. Breaking his own declared restraint on personal comments during this election cycle, Fadnavis said the issue compelled him to speak out.
"I want to make one thing absolutely clear: even if a criminal wins the election, his place will not be in the municipal corporation, his place will be in jail," Fadnavis declared emphatically. This statement underscores a firm stance from the state's law-and-order machinery against criminalization of local politics.
Background of Allegations and Counter-Allegations
The Chief Minister's remarks follow sharp accusations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. Raut had alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) would have extended tickets to relatives of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim if given the chance.
In a public rally, Raut claimed the Mahayuti alliance relies on hooliganism to win elections. He lamented Pune's transformation from a city known for its culture and beauty to one now branded a "city of goons." Raut alleged that the parties have distributed tickets to relatives of almost every local gang.
The political firestorm erupts as the Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced elections for 29 municipal corporations across the state. Key civic bodies like the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) are going to the polls. The voting is scheduled for January 15, with the counting of votes set for January 16.
