Ajit Pawar Triggers Outrage With ‘Vote for Funds’ Remark in Malegaon

At a campaign rally in Malegaon Nagar Panchayat on Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar told voters straight up that he controls the money tap. The Finance Minister and NCP leader promised full release of Central and state development funds only if people elect all 18 of his party candidates on December 2. He repeated several times that cutting even one candidate would mean cutting funds, instantly turning the speech into a statewide firestorm.

By Sunday Pawar changed tone and claimed his words were never a threat, just plain truth about how fast development happens when everyone works together. He said he wants progress for the region and brushed off critics, comparing himself to Tejashwi Yadav who promised jobs in every Bihar home. To him, bold election promises are normal and voters can decide what they believe.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis quickly backed his deputy and called it routine poll talk. He laughed and said even he tells crowds to vote for him to get more money, insisting such statements mean nothing serious. Fadnavis promised development across Maharashtra no matter the local results and tried to cool down the growing anger.

Also Read: Maharashtra Govt Orders Officials to Stand, Greet, and Respect MPs and MLAs During Visits

Opposition parties erupted in fury. Shiv Sena UBT, Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP accused Ajit Pawar of blackmailing voters with public money that belongs to taxpayers, not his family. They demanded immediate Election Commission action and warned that people are watching closely. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar predicted voters will soon take the cash and deliver a stinging reply at the polling booth.

With just days left before voting, Ajit Pawar’s blunt funds-for-votes remark has turned a small local election into a major test of whether Maharashtra will tolerate open threats from leaders in power.

Also Read: Maharashtra Leaders Honour 106 Martyrs at Hutatma Smarak Ceremony