Mahayuti tensions rise as Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis clash over municipal elections.

Elections for the BMC and 28 municipal corporations, including Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will take place on January 15. Counting of votes will happen on January 16, deciding control of major civic bodies across Maharashtra. These polls are the first for several cities after almost nine years, raising public and political attention.

Tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance surfaced as Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis clashed publicly. The dispute revolves around governance, corruption allegations, and promises made ahead of civic elections. Both leaders have engaged in sharp exchanges, signaling a heated electoral battle ahead.

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Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis Clash Over Governance, Freebies, and Corruption Ahead of Maharashtra Civic Poll

Ajit Pawar criticized the BJP for misgovernance in PCMC between 2017 and 2022. He highlighted unfulfilled promises, irregularities in slum rehabilitation projects, and infrastructure cost escalations. Pawar said pointing out mistakes is governance criticism, not personal attacks on the BJP.

Pawar’s alliance announced poll promises, including property tax waivers, daily water supply, and free bus and metro travel. Other pledges include better roads, pollution control, modern healthcare, model schools, free tablets, and loans for women. The manifesto aims to appeal to voters frustrated with past civic administration failures.

Fadnavis responded from Pune, emphasizing work over rhetoric, mocking unrealistic freebies, and criticizing candidates with criminal links. He said civic development and reliable services matter more than promises that cannot be funded. Fadnavis also cited past planning errors and stressed integrated infrastructure corridors for future projects.

With 2,869 seats and over 3.48 crore voters, these elections carry high stakes. The BMC race is especially important as it will determine control of India’s richest civic body. Allegations of bogus voters and duplicate entries have added tension to the final election phase.

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