Sinjini Mitra
Amidst an intense political battle between the two political parties, that is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for control of key municipal corporations in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, on Sunday,Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly objected against the practice of selecting candidates with criminal backgrounds, in what is being seen as a rare public condemnation of his deputy Ajit Pawar.
Speaking during a public interview in Pune, Fadnavis stated that while political leaders often speak about reducing crime, such statements lose credibility when individuals with criminal records are given a chance to participate in elections. The chief minister was apparently referring to a speech delivered by Ajit Pawar last month, in which the deputy CM had warned the Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Gupta about the action taken against the menace of the notorious ‘koyta’ gang for not bringing them under control.
Expressing concern over the contradiction, Fadnavis remarked, “On one hand, it is said that crime must end, and on the other, criminals are fielded. Claiming that alliance partners are responsible is meaningless.” Emphasising the rule of law, he added, “If such criminals get elected, they will not sit in civic bodies. They will be in jail.”
Reacting sharply to Fadnavis’s remarks, NCP (SP) working president and Baramati MP Supriya Sule turned the focus back on the BJP-led government’s performance and questioned Pune’s safety and criminal activities done by the Koyta. Sule pointed to the fact that crime across Maharashtra has risen since the BJP came to power, referring to data she said belonged to the central government.
During the interview, Fadnavis also took a swipe at opposition promises, particularly the proposal to offer free Metro travel to Pune residents adding that such announcements often stem from political desperation when parties sense defeat. Addressing the visible combat between BJP and NCP leaders during the civic election campaign, Fadnavis emphasized the need for coalition discipline. adding that such rhetoric would stop after January 15, after the election.
Later in the day, Ajit Pawar responded by clarifying that his remarks were not aimed at criticising the BJP but were intended to highlight governance lapses in Pimpri-Chinchwad during the party’s ruling period.
Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra are scheduled for January 15, with results to be declared the following day.