In a sharp escalation of political hostilities, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has thrown down a direct challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He demanded the party provide concrete evidence for its claim of having executed development projects worth a staggering Rs 40,000 crore during its five-year tenure governing the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
A Direct Challenge Amidst Election Campaigning
The confrontation unfolded on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, during an election rally in Pimpri. While introducing NCP candidates for the upcoming civic polls, Pawar launched a scathing critique of the BJP's rule from 2017 to 2022. "Local BJP leaders are claiming they have implemented development works worth Rs 40,000 crore. But show me the works worth Rs 40,000 crore? Where is the development? Where has the money gone?" Pawar questioned the gathered crowd.
He contrasted this with his party's legacy, stating that during the NCP's earlier administration, he ensured Pimpri-Chinchwad's development without resorting to loans. Pawar pointed to a significant decline in the municipal corporation's financial health, alleging that deposits which stood at over Rs 4,000 crore should have grown to Rs 10,000 crore in nine years but have instead plummeted to around Rs 2,000 crore.
Targeting BJP MLA and Alleging "Dadagiri"
Pawar's attack was not limited to financial figures. He specifically targeted BJP MLA Mahesh Landge, whom he accused of rebelling against the NCP's candidate Vilas Lande in a previous Assembly election. "I made Mahesh Landge the corporator and chairperson... After that, who is doing 'dadagiri' (bullying)? Who is indulging in corruption?" Pawar asked pointedly, without naming Landge directly. He further insinuated a suspicious accumulation of wealth, questioning the source of the funds.
Asserting his current oversight role, Pawar mentioned that as the District Guardian Minister, he is keeping a close watch on Pimpri-Chinchwad, implying that the BJP's state leadership is otherwise occupied.
BJP's Swift Retort: The Rs 70,000-Crore Irrigation Scam
The BJP's response was immediate and aimed at Pawar's most vulnerable flank. Senior BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who was also campaigning in Pimpri-Chinchwad, reminded the Deputy Chief Minister of the long-standing "Rs 70,000-crore irrigation scam" allegations.
Bawankule cautioned Pawar, stating he was "still not out of the woods." He emphasized that the court's verdict on the massive irrigation scandal is still pending, with hearings currently underway. "The matter is sub-judice. Ajit Pawar is a mature leader. There is no need to rake up such issues in civic elections... I'm sure Ajit Pawar will think over it. He is an important Mahayuti leader," Bawankule said, referencing the ruling state alliance.
For his part, MLA Mahesh Landge responded to Pawar's allegations with a dismissive tone, stating, "Some people are stooping low while making allegations. We do not want to get into a duel with them."
The Political Backdrop of the Clash
This fiery exchange is set against a crucial political backdrop. The BJP directly governed the Pimpri-Chinchwad civic body from 2017 until 2022. Following the end of its term, the state administration appointed an administrator to run the corporation. Pawar had previously labeled both the BJP's rule and the subsequent administrator's term as "corruption-ridden."
The war of words highlights the high stakes involved in the forthcoming local body elections. Both sides are leveraging serious allegations—one of financial mismanagement in urban development and the other of a colossal irrigation scam—to undermine each other's credibility before the voters. The clash underscores the tense and competitive nature of Maharashtra's political landscape, where past accusations and present claims are potent weapons on the campaign trail.
