Overview
- At a Malegaon rally, Ajit Pawar told voters “You have votes, I have funds” and warned he would “reject” them if his slate was rejected.
- He urged a sweep for all 18 candidates on his NCP-led panel, which is contesting in alliance with a BJP-backed group in the December 2 Nagar Panchayat polls.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve and NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule denounced the comments as a threat and sought Election Commission intervention and accountability.
- Pawar, who holds the state finance portfolio, defended the line as routine election rhetoric, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis downplayed the controversy, saying the government will develop all regions.
- Reports recalled a similar 2024 remark that drew a Maharashtra Chief Electoral Office probe, and no new EC action had been announced as of Sunday.