Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stepped in to defuse a public spat between his party's Bhosari MLA, Mahesh Landge, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, advising the BJP legislator to maintain his composure and concentrate on development work. The intervention came during an election rally in Akurdi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, on Saturday, as the political temperature rises ahead of the crucial Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections.
Fadnavis Counsels Calm Amid Political Provocation
Addressing the gathering, CM Fadnavis directly referred to the visibly agitated MLA, stating, "Maheshdada is looking a bit annoyed." He urged Landge to remember that election seasons often provoke opponents to make controversial statements. "He should remember that whenever elections are held, many people suddenly find their voice; they start saying all sorts of things. But we should remember our work speaks for itself," Fadnavis remarked.
Without explicitly naming Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis framed the criticism as frustration from the opposition, which in this context is the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Interestingly, the NCP is an alliance partner of the BJP at the state level but is contesting against it in the local PCMC polls in partnership with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP(SP).
"This frustration and irritation from the Opposition is because of the work we have done," the Chief Minister asserted, advising Landge, "Try to understand, Maheshdada. Don't get angry just because they are angry. You just focus on showcasing your work."
The Spark: Landge's "Baap of SRA" Barb at Ajit Pawar
The Chief Minister's advice followed another round of sharp criticism from MLA Mahesh Landge directed at Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Just before Fadnavis took the stage, Landge had launched a fresh attack, using singular language to address Pawar, a move NCP leaders later criticized as disrespectful to a constitutional post holder.
Landge accused a leader of acting like the "baap (father) of SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority)" and alleged that citizens in SRA projects were being threatened to vote for a particular side. "He has the arrogance to dictate that people must take only the houses he provides...Those speaking against us are full of arrogance," Landge claimed.
Responding to these allegations of threats, CM Fadnavis sought to reassure the public, stating, "If someone is issuing threats in SRA as Mahesh Landge described, there is no reason to worry. This is a rule of law; rule of threats will not work here." He added that the police were capable of handling such situations without his personal intervention.
Development Claims and New Flood Line Survey
After addressing the political tussle, Fadnavis shifted the narrative back to development, countering Ajit Pawar's allegations of inadequate work under BJP rule in Pimpri-Chinchwad. He presented a comparative analysis, claiming the BJP's work quality surpassed the NCP's 25-year tenure.
Fadnavis highlighted housing projects, stating that while only 6,700 out of 13,000 planned houses were completed under previous regimes, since 2017, the BJP has constructed 20,000 houses in areas like Pimpri, Borhadewadi, Charholi, and Dudulgaon.
In a significant announcement for the city's urban planning, the Chief Minister declared that a fresh survey would be conducted across Maharashtra, including Pimpri-Chinchwad, to redraw the blue and red flood lines. He cited that current markings are based on century-old assumptions, causing development standstills in river-adjacent areas.
"In Pimpri Chinchwad, we will use satellite imagery, geospatial data, and 'flood mitigation systems' to resolve the issue," Fadnavis explained, adding that a new Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) would be formulated on the lines of the Kolhapur model.
He also listed other resolved issues, including the 12.5% land return matter pending for 25-30 years and the scrapping of penalty tax with retrospective effect. Looking ahead, Fadnavis promised priority resolution of property card issues, large-scale Metro expansion including a third line, and traffic-easing projects like elevated corridors and flyovers.
Despite his earlier fiery comments, MLA Mahesh Landge concluded his speech on a conciliatory yet pointed note, questioning the mutual respect within the ruling Mahayuti alliance and expressing frustration over opposition mud-slinging. He confidently predicted, "after January 15, BJP will have its mayor in Pimpri-Chinchwad."
