Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Clarifies Controversial "Votes for Funds" Remark Ahead of Local Elections

Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has clarified his controversial "you have votes and I have funds" remark made during a campaign in Malegaon, stating it was "not a threat".

While campaigning for the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections in Baramati tehsil, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief had told voters he would only release promised funds if all his party's candidates were elected.

"The Centre and the state have many schemes. The Prime Minister, chief minister and both deputy chief ministers have worked on these together. If all of us work together and implement these schemes properly, we can ensure development for Malegaon," said Pawar, who holds the Finance portfolio.

His controversial statement followed: "I will ensure there is no shortage of funds if you elect all 18 NCP candidates. If you elect all of them, I will fulfill whatever I have promised. But if you 'cut' my candidates, I will also 'cut' the funds. You have the power to vote, and I have the power to release funds. Now decide what you want to do."

On Sunday, Pawar softened his stance, explaining, "I said what I had to say. Now it's up to the opposition on what they want to say; it is their constitutional right. I tell the truth. I don't give importance to criticism; I give importance to work. We want development, and we want to solve the issues in that region."

When questioned if his statement constituted a threat, Pawar responded, "How is it a threat? You are looking at the elections elsewhere too. Everyone promises before elections." He cited RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's promise of government jobs if elected in Bihar as a comparable example.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attempted to downplay the remarks: "Such things are said during an election. It doesn't mean anything. All I will say is that we will develop all the cities after the elections. Even I will go to a place and say, 'Elect me, I will give you more money'. You have to say such things."

Opposition leaders have criticized Pawar's statement. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Ambadas Danve questioned the Election Commission's inaction, stating, "Funds are given from the taxes paid by the common people and not from Ajit Pawar's house."

NCP (Sharad Pawar) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase emphasized that "the funds belong to the people of the state," while Congress' Vijay Wedditiwar accused Pawar of using his position of power to threaten voters.

The Nagar Panchayats elections are scheduled for December 2.