Ajit Pawar Critiques Pune's Local Leadership Amid Financial Aid Concerns

Ajit Pawar's Call for Leadership Change in Pune

Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has asserted that Pune has received substantial financial support from both the central and state governments. However, he criticized local leaders for failing to utilize these funds effectively for the city's meaningful development.

Speaking at a rally in the Baner area ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, Pawar emphasized that this 'failure' highlights the urgent need for a change in the city's leadership.

Pawar's party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, are part of the Mahayuti alliance in the state. However, they are contesting elections separately in 29 municipal corporations, including the PMC.

He pointed out various pressing issues such as inadequate water supply, garbage accumulation, potholes on roads, heavy traffic, and deteriorating law and order in the city, stating that there is a lack of political will to address these problems.

Pawar expressed a desire to eliminate the 'Koyta Gang' and maintain law and order in the city. He noted that while they are part of the Mahayuti at the center and state levels, the situation in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad is different, attributing the responsibility to the PMC administrator.

The 'Koyta Gang' is known as a violent criminal organization active in Maharashtra, particularly in cities like Pune and Latur, where its members primarily use sickles to commit crimes.

Pawar affirmed his commitment to his responsibilities as Pune's guardian minister, stating, 'The municipal corporation has distinct powers. The central and state governments have provided significant funds, but the administrator has failed to deliver.'