Funds for votes: Oppn slams Ajit Pawar for ‘luring’ voters

Opposition leaders in the state have criticised Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for telling voters in Baramati that if they do not vote for his party’s candidates in the Lok Sabha election, “my hands will be tied while giving funds”.

At a public rally in Indapur in Baramati parliamentary constituency on Tuesday, the NCP leader assured voters of ample funds if they supported his party.

“You will benefit from the work that we have done. But when you benefit, don’t forget who was the reason. I will give you as much funds as you want but you also have to press the button [NCP symbol] as hard as you can,” Ajit Pawar said.

“That way I will feel better while giving you funds. Otherwise my hands will be tied while giving funds,” he said.

The NCP faction led by Ajit Ajit Pawar’s uncle Sharad Pawar swiftly condemned the statement, calling it a breach of the model code of conduct.

NCP (SP) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase urged the Election Commission to take action against Ajit Pawar.

“Ajit Pawar has violated the MCC. He has tried to lure voters by offering money. I demand the Election Commission to take suo moto cognisance of this offence. They should order a video of the speech and register an offence,” Tapase said.

Amol Kolhe, the NCP (SP) candidate from Shirur, said, “Government fund is public money. It doesn’t belong to any individual.”

Congress state president Nana Patole also urged the poll panel to take action.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, “Ajit Pawar is a trader and he made a statement accordingly. This country is being run by traders and his agents are also doing the same type of trading at local level.”

Ajit Pawar himself clarified his statement. “Every party promises to do something in return for votes. I have done the same. My statement has been misinterpreted by the opposition,” he said.

Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra is pitted against her sister-inlaw and sitting Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule, the daughter of Sharad Pawar, in Baramati.

You will benefit from the work that we have done. But when you benefit, don’t forget who was the reason. I will give you as much funds as you want but you also have to press the button [NCP symbol] as hard as you can Ajit Pawar