Maharashtra minister warns of fund cut if Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates win in Zilla Parishad elections; Opposition hits out

Addressing an election rally in the Fonda constituency of Kankavli in Sindhudurg district on Sunday, Rane said the release of funds depended on the poll symbol of the winning candidate. “If I see the lotus or the bow and arrow, funds are sanctioned immediately. But if the flaming torch appears, I will even stop funds that have already been approved,” he said, referring to the symbols of the BJP, Shiv Sena and Sena (UBT), respectively, reported PTI.

Rane, who was campaigning for a Shiv Sena candidate, claimed a similar strategy had been adopted during recent gram panchayat elections. He alleged that sarpanches were warned that no funds would be released unless they aligned with the ruling side, following which they “quickly switched over”.

Opposition calls remarks misuse of power, violation of oath

The remarks drew sharp reactions from the Opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Akhil Chitre said the state treasury was public money and not a personal reserve of any minister. He described Rane’s comments as an open admission of misuse of power and said they violated the oath of impartiality taken by a minister.

Chitre questioned whether the chief minister and the governor would act against Rane or remain silent, which, he claimed, would amount to tacit approval of such statements, reported PTI.

State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal alleged that Maharashtra, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, was witnessing the erosion of democratic values. He claimed the government was attempting to weaken the Opposition and undermine constitutional principles.

Local body polls scheduled for February 7

As many as 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis across Maharashtra are scheduled to go to polls on February 7, with counting slated for February 9.

Rane, Bawankule trade barbs with Sena (UBT) over fund allocation

Rane further claimed that the local body elections were becoming one-sided, asserting that voters were questioning the relevance of rival parties. He said the polls were being contested under the leadership of MP Narayan Rane and expressed confidence that Sindhudurg district would remain under his leadership for the next five years, reported PTI.

Taking a swipe at the Shiv Sena (UBT), Rane said the party was “barely visible” on the ground during the campaign and claimed that its candidates would eventually have to approach the ruling dispensation for funds after the elections, reported PTI.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also weighed in, alleging that when Uddhav Thackeray was chief minister, officials were instructed not to release funds for projects recommended by him. He said those decisions were now rebounding politically.

Nitesh Rane has been at the centre of multiple controversies in recent months. During the civic poll campaign in January, he made inflammatory remarks targeting a particular community, drawing widespread criticism. In another instance, responding to comments by an AIMIM corporator about “painting Mumbra green”, Rane said the area would be “painted in saffron” and claimed that every inch of land belonged to a “Hindu Rashtra”, reported PTI.

At a rally in Vasai last month, he also warned against disruptions during Hindu festivals and said those raising slogans other than “Jai Shri Ram” should be sent “to their fathers in Pakistan”, remarks that further escalated political tensions.

(With inputs from PTI)

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