In a sharp escalation of political tensions ahead of crucial municipal elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued a veiled but pointed criticism of his deputy, Ajit Pawar, for allegedly fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds. The remarks, made during a public interview in Pune on Sunday, January 12, 2026, have ignited a fresh war of words within the state's ruling alliance.
‘Criminals Belong in Jail, Not in Civic Body’: Fadnavis’s Stance
Addressing the issue of rising crime in Pune, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his dismay at the contradictory actions of political parties. "I have heard several speeches on ending crime in Pune," Fadnavis stated. "After making speeches against rising crime, criminals are fielded as candidates. This is inappropriate. Pune residents will not like this."
Although he did not name Ajit Pawar directly, the context was clear. Fadnavis was ostensibly referring to a speech last month where Ajit Pawar had warned Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Gupta to curb the activities of the notorious ‘koyta’ gang. "The Home Minister in me is wondering what is happening in this election?" Fadnavis questioned, highlighting the paradox of demanding an end to crime while promoting candidates with alleged criminal links.
He delivered a stern warning, asserting, "If criminals get elected, they will not be in the civic body. They will be in jail." This strong statement underscores the growing friction between alliance partners, the BJP and the NCP, as they battle for control in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations.
Supriya Sule’s Counter: Rising Crime Under BJP Watch
Responding swiftly to the Chief Minister's accusations, NCP(SP) working president and Baramati MP Supriya Sule turned the focus back on the government's record. She challenged Fadnavis to introspect on the increasing crime rate in Pune and Maharashtra at large.
"I was expecting the Chief Minister would be able to stop crime in Maharashtra and Pune," Sule said. "Why is crime not stopping in Pune? Why is the ‘koyta’ gang on the prowl?" She presented a damning indictment, claiming, "Since their government came to power, crime in Maharashtra has been on the rise. This is not my data. This data belongs to the central government." Her rebuttal shifts the narrative from candidate selection to governance and law & order failures.
Coalition Dharma Under Strain Ahead of Polls
The public spat highlights the severe strain on coalition ethics, or ‘dharma’, between the BJP and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction. Fadnavis revealed that alliance partners had agreed not to speak against each other during the civic elections, especially in constituencies with friendly fights. "I showed patience, but Ajit Pawar did not… He will not speak in this manner after January 15," the CM remarked, hinting at a post-election reckoning.
Ajit Pawar, defending his actions later on Sunday, clarified that his criticisms were aimed at the BJP's past administrative failures in Pimpri-Chinchwad, not the party itself. "I am pointing out the mistakes committed by the BJP. I am not criticising the party," he stated, attempting to draw a fine line between critique and confrontation.
The interview, conducted by popular Marathi actress Girija Oak Godbole, also touched upon other promises like free Metro services. Fadnavis dismissed such pledges as unbelievable and desperate moves by parties anticipating defeat.
Elections for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra are scheduled for Thursday, January 15, with results expected the following day. The outcome in Pune is being closely watched as a barometer of the stability and future of the state's ruling coalition.
