“You Have Votes, I Have Funds”: Ajit Pawar’s Remark Sparks Major Political Storm in Maharashtra

UnderCover Editor News
Editor – Mahesh Rathod

Mumbai / Malegaon:

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has triggered a fresh controversy after openly telling voters in Malegaon that while “they have votes,” he “has funds,” and that financial support would flow only if all candidates of his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were elected.

The remarks, made during a campaign speech for the upcoming Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections, have drawn widespread criticism and raised questions about political pressure, voter influence and ethical conduct during elections.

Ajit Pawar’s Statement Raises Eyebrows

Addressing a public gathering, Pawar said:

“I will ensure there is no shortage of funds if you elect all 18 NCP candidates. If you reject, I will also reject. You have votes, I have funds.”

The statement implied that government funding and development work could be withheld if voters did not support NCP candidates—a claim opposition parties say violates democratic principles and amounts to intimidation.

Pawar currently handles Maharashtra’s finance portfolio in the BJP–NCP–Shiv Sena alliance government, giving his comments even greater political weight.

Opposition Slams Pawar: ‘Threat to Democracy’

The statement immediately drew sharp reactions from the opposition.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve accused Pawar of threatening voters and misusing his authority.

Danve said:

“Funds come from taxpayers, not from Ajit Pawar’s personal pocket.

If a minister threatens voters like this, what is the Election Commission doing?”

Opposition leaders claim Pawar’s comments amount to coercion and violate the Model Code of Conduct, even though civic elections are not directly governed by the same framework as state or national polls.

Political Context: Malegaon Civic Polls on December 2

The Pawar-led NCP has partnered with a BJP-backed panel for the December 2 Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections.

Malegaon—known for closely contested political battles—has 18 NCP candidates in the fray. Pawar’s comments were aimed at consolidating votes for the entire panel, but critics say the tone crossed the line into political pressure.

ECI’s Silence Questioned

Several opposition voices have demanded that the Election Commission of India (ECI) take note of Pawar’s remarks, calling for investigation or censure.

Legal experts suggest that any attempt to link government funds with electoral outcomes could fall under undue influence, a punishable offence under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

What Happens Next?

While Ajit Pawar has not clarified or withdrawn his remarks, political observers believe the issue may escalate further in the coming days.

With civic elections just days away, the controversy has added a new dimension to the campaign—putting the spotlight on the ethics of political speech and the fine line between promises and pressure.

UnderCover Editor News will continue tracking this high-voltage political episode.