Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on Friday (09 January 2026) expressed concern over the continuous decline in ideological commitment in politics. He alleged that most of the political parties have abandoned their core principles and are adopting various tactics to increase the number of their supporters. NCP chief Pawar said that defection has become very common, in which leaders are being forced to change the party by luring or under pressure.

He also continued his verbal attacks on the local BJP leadership in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Pawar said, “Recently political parties have almost abandoned their respective ideologies. The leaders are going wherever they want and doing whatever they want.” He alleged that some leaders are being lured into their fold, while others are being put under pressure by threatening them with pending investigations against them and by assuring that the investigating agencies will be dealt with after their defection.

Open use of money and muscle power in politics – Ajit Pawar

He claimed that money and muscle power were being used openly in politics. On a question asked on the issue of frequent defection of party leaders and workers, Ajit Pawar said, “Those who have money and muscle power, they are using it.” Those who are thinking of getting votes by raising caste issues are adopting this strategy.” He also said that a candidate is being evaluated on the basis of his electoral qualifications and not on the basis of his actions as a leader.

‘New trend of survey to assess the popularity of candidates’

Maharashtra Deputy CM Pawar further said that a new trend has emerged where surveys are being used to assess the popularity of candidates. In view of the upcoming civic elections in the state, Ajit Pawar said, “Surveys are being used to find out who is the most popular candidate in a particular area. If that person belongs to the opposition party, efforts are made to bring him to our side.

Appreciation of Yashwantrao Chavan’s politics

Praising the politics of Maharashtra’s first Chief Minister Yashwantrao Chavan, Pawar said, “He used to give equal respect to the leaders of opposition parties also.” He used to distribute money without thinking whether the person concerned was from the opposition or not. However, in the last few years, some kind of vendetta politics has crept in. This should not happen.” Criticizing the local BJP leadership in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawar alleged that despite huge expenditure in the last eight to nine years, their ”lack of foresight” has pushed both the municipal bodies into ”crisis”.

‘Planned development took place in Pimpri Chinchwad under NCP rule’

Despite being partners in the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state, BJP and NCP are contesting the municipal elections in both the cities separately. BJP is urging Pawar to avoid targeting allies during the election campaign. Pawar claimed that planned development took place in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) between 1992 and 2017 when the NCP was in power, but the problem of corruption and financial mismanagement continued during the BJP’s tenure from 2017 to 2022.

There was no need to take loan in our time – Ajit Pawar

He claimed, “From 1992 to 2017, Pimpri-Chinchwad was developed with meticulous planning. Due to strong financial management and capable leadership, this corporation became the most prosperous municipal body in Asia. There was no need to take loans or issue bonds during our tenure.” He alleged that bonds were issued during the previous BJP-led government and claimed irregularities in works related to the smart city project and cleanliness drive and waste management.

Allegations of corruption in schemes like installation of CCTV cameras

The NCP chief said, “Around Rs 60,000 crore was spent in the last eight-nine years. Administrative expenses, which are about 30-35 percent, work out to about Rs 20,000 crore. Development works worth Rs 40,000 crore were to be done, but those works are not visible at the ground level.” Pawar, targeting the BJP’s previous tenure in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), alleged corruption in projects like installation of CCTV cameras. He said, “About 70 percent of the CCTV cameras are not working. The work that should have been done has not been done.

We are raising issues of people in Pune and PCMC- Ajit Pawar

Responding to criticism for attacking him despite sharing power with the BJP at the Center and Maharashtra, Pawar said local body elections are fought on civic issues. He said, “National and state elections are different. Voters know to whom to hand over the reins of the country and the state. Municipal corporation elections are related to local problems, and we are raising the issues faced by citizens in Pune and PCMC.

What did you say on alliance with Sharad Pawar in Pimpri-Chinchwad?

On alliance with NCP and Sharad Pawar faction in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Ajit Pawar said that it was not pre-planned. He said, “Local party workers felt that it would be beneficial to contest the elections together. This is how the alliance was formed.” Rejecting the speculations about the merger of the two factions of NCP, Pawar said that such discussions are taking place only in the media. He said, “Right now our entire focus is on winning maximum seats.” Elections for 29 municipal corporations across the state, including Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, are to be held on January 15. Counting of votes will take place the next day.

Union Minister and BJP leader Muralidhar Mohol has made serious allegations against the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is part of the Grand Alliance. He said that by giving election tickets to people with criminal background, NCP has raised questions on its own claims regarding law and order.

Mohol said that Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Pune, Ajit Pawar continuously talks about ending crime and the terror of ‘Koyta Gang’, but his party’s decisions seem to be the opposite. He said that the list of candidates itself is telling the truth.

RPI gave ticket to notorious gang

In fact, Ajit Pawar’s NCP has given tickets to some candidates for the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections through its ally RPI (Sachin Kharat faction). These include Sonali Andekar, daughter-in-law of notorious gang leader Suryakant alias Bandu Andekar and her relative Lakshmi Andekar. Both of them are accused in the murder case of Bandu Andekar’s grandson Ayush Komkar and are currently in jail. These elections are to be held on 15 January.

Responsibility of public representatives to maintain law and order- Mohol

Mohol said that it is the responsibility of public representatives to maintain law and order and giving tickets to such people gives a wrong message. However, Mohol defended BJP’s decision to give ticket to Pratibha Chorge, wife of history-sheeter Rohidas Chorge. He said that Pratibha Chorge has no connection with any criminal activity and is associated with social work. Mohol also said that both the cases cannot be compared and if any problem arises then the party will consider it.

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