Ajit Pawar Claims Candidates Forced Out of Pimpri-Chinchwad Polls with Threats and Money
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has made serious allegations about the electoral process in Pimpri-Chinchwad. He says candidates faced terror tactics to withdraw from the fray. Money was also offered as an incentive for them to step aside.
Allegations of Intimidation and Financial Coercion
In a recent podcast interview with Pimpri-Chinchwad Bulletin, Ajit Pawar detailed the methods used. Local leaders have accumulated vast wealth, he stated. They believe they can buy anyone's compliance. Candidates are terrorized into withdrawing their nomination forms. Financial assistance is dangled as a lure. If candidates accept the money but fail to withdraw, they face threats about their future work being blocked.
Though not naming names directly, Pawar has consistently targeted BJP's Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge. The election campaign has seen him accuse the BJP of massive corruption. He claims this occurred during their five-year rule in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the subsequent three years.
Unopposed Elections and Fear Atmosphere
The PCMC elections witnessed two candidates winning unopposed. Ravi Landge and Supriya Chandgude, both from the BJP, secured victories without a contest. While the BJP celebrated these wins, Ajit Pawar paints a darker picture. He alleges an atmosphere of fear pervades among candidates. This podcast marks the first time he explicitly stated that candidates were forced to withdraw from the poll fray.
These claims come as the State Election Commission seeks reports from municipal commissioners. Opposition parties raised objections about unopposed elections in Maharashtra. Pawar's comments add fuel to this ongoing scrutiny.
Contrasting Development Records
Ajit Pawar contrasted the current situation with the NCP's past rule in PCMC. He highlighted efforts to transform Pimpri-Chinchwad's face. Several development projects were implemented under his watch. The city even received the Best City award from the central government. Public support was strong during that period.
Pawar maintained correct control over PCMC's functioning, he asserted. He worked diligently to change the city's image. Unfortunately, the momentum of good work was not sustained. As a result, Pimpri-Chinchwad is now on a downward slide, according to him.
Urging Voters for Change
The Deputy Chief Minister has been actively urging voters to switch rulers. He wants them to bring the NCP back to power. If this change does not happen, he warns that future generations will not forgive their parents. The current rulers lack vision and plans, he claims.
Good plans for the city require extensive research and expert discussions. Such alacrity is missing in the local leadership, Pawar emphasized. He calls for a return to the development-focused governance of the NCP era.
