The Opposition on Sunday (November 23, 2025) demanded action by the Election Commission against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar over his recent comments during election campaigning for Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections, alluding to an alleged threat to voters. The Deputy Chief Minister defended his statement, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sought to downplay the controversy.
“Where did I threaten? You saw in Bihar too. Tejaswi said in Bihar that each household will get a job. Everyone has the right to say what they want to say. It is the voters who take a call on who to vote for. The voters are smart. They will decide,” Mr. Pawar told reporters on Sunday (November 23).
You have votes, I have funds; if you reject, I will also reject: Ajit Pawar tells electors
The statement came a day after a video clip emerged in which he was seen speaking at a public event, saying, “If you elect all the 18 candidates, I will give you what I have committed. But if you cut on something, even I will put a cut. You have your vote in your hands, I have funds in my hands.”
When asked about it, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Everyone says things during elections. That does not mean anything. Once we get elected, we all work together for the progress of the entire State.”
