Ajit Pawar Launches Sharp Attack on BJP Ahead of Pune Civic Elections
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has launched a strong criticism against the Bharatiya Janata Party. He claims the BJP fears losing political control over the Pune Municipal Corporation. Pawar made these remarks during a press conference in Pune on the final day of campaigning for the civic elections.
Defending Free Transport Promise
Pawar specifically addressed criticism from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other BJP leaders. They had questioned the NCP-NCP (SP) alliance's promise of free travel in metro and public transport buses. The deputy chief minister dismissed these concerns as politically motivated.
"Our opponents are misleading voters by calling our promises impossible and irresponsible," Pawar stated. "I could have ignored them, but I must respond to their incorrect statements. This is not a favor to voters or just an election promise. It is the right of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad citizens to benefit from taxpayer money."
He emphasized that the free transport proposal resulted from careful planning. The alliance conducted discussions with residents, surveys, and consultations with experts before making the commitment.
Questioning BJP's Economic Concerns
Pawar challenged those doubting the financial viability of the free transport scheme. "They should remember who Ajit Pawar is," he said, referencing his extensive experience handling state finances. "They are not actually worried about economics. They fear losing political control in Pune."
The NCP leader suggested that Chief Minister Fadnavis's doubts actually reveal something important. They show that those who controlled PMC for the past nine years left little in the civic body's treasury.
Addressing Pune's Transport Challenges
Pawar explained the reasoning behind the free transport promise. He noted that Pune metro sees fewer riders except during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. During these times, people want to avoid getting stuck in traffic for hours.
"We need bold and strong decisions to solve traffic and public transport problems in the city," Pawar asserted. "That's why we promised free travel in Pune metro and public buses. This will increase public transport usage, reduce traffic, and decrease air pollution on city roads."
He added that this initiative would save people significant money currently spent on daily commuting.
Clarifying Alliance Dynamics
Regarding the heated campaign between NDA partners for the civic polls, Pawar referenced the chief minister's earlier statement. Fadnavis had said the alliance at state and national levels would remain intact and return to normal after the civic elections.
Pawar offered his perspective on the so-called "friendly fight." "There is nothing like a friendly fight in elections," he stated. "Those competing are rivals because they are contesting against each other."
The deputy chief minister's comments come during intense campaigning for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections. The NCP and BJP, while allies at the state level, are competing directly against each other in these local polls.
Political observers note that Pawar's strong remarks reflect the high stakes involved in controlling India's eighth-largest municipal corporation. Pune's civic body manages a substantial budget and oversees critical urban infrastructure projects affecting millions of residents.
