During a campaign on Friday for the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections in Baramati tehsil of Pune district, Ajit Pawar reportedly stated that he would ensure there was no shortage of funds for the town if voters elected his party’s candidates
In a strong democracy, it is the moral responsibility of the EC to monitor such statements, Supriya Sule said. File Pic
Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) leader and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule has urged the Election Commission of India to monitor statements such as those made by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who linked development funds to voter support, reported the PTI.
Her party spokesperson, Mahesh Tapase, demanded immediate action from the EC and insisted that Pawar issue a public apology.
During a campaign on Friday for the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections in Baramati tehsil of Pune district, Ajit Pawar reportedly stated that he would ensure there was no shortage of funds for the town if voters elected his party’s candidates. Conversely, he warned that if they did not, he would “reject” development, according to the PTI.
Speaking at a press conference, Supriya Sule said, “In a strong democracy, it is the moral responsibility of the EC to monitor such statements. Yet, we rarely see such oversight today. I myself have contested a case with the EC, but despite presenting all the necessary documents, we received no justice.”
She added, “We should have faith in the Election Commission. However, in recent years, public dissatisfaction with the EC has been evident, both in society and in the media,” the news agency reported.
On Friday, Ajit Pawar reportedly said, “I will ensure there is no shortage of funds if you elect all 18 NCP candidates. If you elect all 18 candidates, I am committed to fulfilling my promises. But if you reject them, I will also reject. You have votes, I have funds,” as per the PTI.
Tapase described these remarks as a direct threat to the democratic rights of the electorate.
“Ajit Pawar, who holds the state’s Finance portfolio, shockingly declared that voters ‘have votes, I have funds’. He further warned that if voters did not back his candidates, he would withhold development. He promised no shortage of funds only if all 18 of his candidates were elected,” Tapase said, reported the PTI.
“These statements are threatening and intimidatory. The Constitution of India vests authority in the people, and any attempt by a senior public office holder to coerce their franchise is an attack on democracy itself. Ajit Pawar is a custodian, not the owner of public funds,” he added.
Tapase emphasised that funds come from taxpayers and must be used for the benefit of all citizens, regardless of electoral outcomes. Linking development aid to election results constitutes corrupt practice and an abuse of the Finance Minister’s powers, he said, demanding immediate and stringent action by the Election Commission.
He questioned how Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership could tolerate such remarks from an ally.
“The development of Maharashtra cannot be dictated by the whims of one individual. It is a fundamental right of every citizen, funded by their taxes. Ajit Pawar must apologise for attempting to turn a constitutional duty into a political tool,” Tapase concluded.
(with PTI inputs)
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