Tensions inside Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance have surfaced publicly. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis traded sharp remarks ahead of crucial civic elections.

The clash erupted after Pawar responded to comments made by Fadnavis during the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation campaign. Pawar said he only pointed out governance failures. He denied making personal attacks.

Speaking at a press briefing in Pimpri, Pawar addressed the issue after releasing the joint manifesto of his Nationalist Congress Party and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP.

“I am not criticising the BJP. I am only highlighting mistakes in the PCMC. Pointing out mistakes is not criticism,” he said.

He added that leaders spoke more firmly because civic elections were happening after nearly nine years. A day earlier, Fadnavis had taken a veiled dig at Pawar. He said some leaders become vocal only when elections approach.

Ajit Pawar Targets BJP’s Civic Rule

Ajit Pawar accused the BJP of corruption and poor governance during its control of the PCMC from 2017 to 2022. He said the party failed to fulfill any of its 27 promises.

He demanded investigations into alleged irregularities in Slum Rehabilitation Authority projects in Ravet and Bhosari. He questioned who benefited from transferable development rights under these schemes.

Pawar also pointed to rising project costs. He said one bridge project jumped from ₹70 lakh to ₹7 crore.

Welfare Promises Take Centre Stage

Pawar unveiled a list of poll promises. He announced a property tax waiver for homes up to 500 square feet from April 1, 2026. He also promised to scrap the draft development plan.

Other pledges included daily water supply and free bus and metro travel. He also promised better roads, pollution control, modern hospitals, and model schools.

The manifesto included free tablets for students. It also promised interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for women who complete skill training.

Fadnavis Responds With Sharp Retort

Devendra Fadnavis hit back while speaking in Pune during an interaction with Marathi actor Girija Oak. “Ajit dada talks, I work,” he said. He stressed that his government focuses on performance, not rhetoric.

The BJP and Ajit Pawar-led NCP are contesting Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad polls separately. This is despite being allies in the state government. Fadnavis said both sides had agreed to keep the contest friendly. “I have maintained that restraint, but they seem to have lost patience,” he said.

Freebies Draw Fire From CM

Fadnavis questioned promises like free metro travel. He said metro fares are fixed by a statutory Fare Fixation Committee involving the Centre and the state.

“Even if I want to waive fares, I cannot do it. You have to say who will bear the cost,” he said.

He added that citizens prefer reliable services over freebies.

In a sarcastic remark, Fadnavis said he could also promise free air travel for women in Pune. He used the comment to highlight what he called unrealistic poll promises.

Urban Planning Under Scrutiny

Fadnavis criticised earlier urban planning decisions. He referred to flyovers that were later dismantled for metro projects. He said his government now focuses on integrated infrastructure corridors. He said this approach prevents repeated disruptions.

At a rally in Pimpri-Chinchwad, he said BJP-led development had left rivals “frustrated and angry.” He cited housing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

He also compared them with what he called poor-quality construction under earlier NCP-led governments.

Criminal Candidates Spark Attack

Fadnavis also targeted Pawar’s party over candidates with criminal backgrounds. He warned that even if such candidates win, “their place will be in jail, not in the municipal corporation office.”

The remark appeared aimed at the NCP’s decision to field relatives of criminal figures in Pune.

High-Stakes Civic Elections Ahead

The war of words comes ahead of one of Maharashtra’s most important civic election cycles. Polling for the BMC and 28 other municipal corporations will take place on January 15. Counting will happen on January 16.

A total of 2,869 seats are at stake. More than 3.48 crore voters are eligible to vote. The BMC election carries special weight. It will be the first since the 2022 Shiv Sena split. It will decide control of India’s richest civic body.

The polls also come amid a “vote chori” controversy. Opposition parties allege bogus and duplicate voter entries. As election day nears, tensions within the Mahayuti alliance continue to rise.