<p>Mumbai: Mounting a major offensive, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) on Sunday urged the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/election-commission">Election Commission of India</a> (ECI) to take cognizance of the comments of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/ajit-pawar">Ajit Pawar</a> linking development funds of the government to voter support.</p><p>“In a strong democracy it is the moral responsibility (of the EC) to monitor such statements, but we can't see such thing happenings nowadays,” NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule said drawing attention to the remarks of her cousin Ajit Pawar, who is an eight-time MLA from Baramati and one-term MP.</p><p>“We should have faith and trust in the Election Commission. But, unfortunately, in the last few years dissatisfaction can be seen with the EC in society and newspapers,” said Sule, the four-time Baramati MP and former four-time Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar’s daughter. During campaigning on Friday for elections to the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat in Baramati tehsil of Pune district, Pawar, who is the state’s Finance, Planning and Excise Minister, has said that he will ensure there is no shortage of funds for the town if they elect the candidates of his party, but if they reject them, he will also “reject”. </p>.CM Devendra Fadnavis downplays Ajit Pawar’s 'funds' remark, stresses inclusive development.<p>"I will ensure there is no shortage of funds if you elect all 18 NCP candidates. If you elect all 18 candidates, I am committed to give whatever I have promised. But if you reject, I will also reject. You have votes, I have funds," said Ajit Pawar.</p><p>Meanwhile, NCP (SP) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said the remarks are nothing short of threatening and intimidating the electorate. </p><p>“The Constitution of India vests the real authority in the people, and any attempt by a powerful public office holder to coerce their franchise is a direct attack on democracy itself,” said Tapase. </p><p>Tapase reminded that Ajit Pawar, in his capacity as Finance Minister, has taken the solemn oath he took before assuming office to execute his duties faithfully and impartially.</p><p>“Let us be absolutely clear: Ajit Pawar is merely the custodian of the public exchequer, not its owner. These funds are given from the taxes paid by the common people. Public funds must be used for the all-around development of the state and all its citizens, irrespective of whether his chosen candidates win or lose an election,” Tapase asserted. </p><p>“To explicitly link development aid to electoral success is a corrupt practice and a gross misuse of the power entrusted to the Finance Minister,” he said.“How long can the Election Commission remain a silent spectator while a prominent state leader openly threatens voters and tries to leverage state resources for political gain? The ECI must take immediate action against Ajit Pawar as per the law,” Tapase urged.</p>
<p>Mumbai: Mounting a major offensive, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) on Sunday urged the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/election-commission">Election Commission of India</a> (ECI) to take cognizance of the comments of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/ajit-pawar">Ajit Pawar</a> linking development funds of the government to voter support.</p><p>“In a strong democracy it is the moral responsibility (of the EC) to monitor such statements, but we can't see such thing happenings nowadays,” NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule said drawing attention to the remarks of her cousin Ajit Pawar, who is an eight-time MLA from Baramati and one-term MP.</p><p>“We should have faith and trust in the Election Commission. But, unfortunately, in the last few years dissatisfaction can be seen with the EC in society and newspapers,” said Sule, the four-time Baramati MP and former four-time Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar’s daughter. During campaigning on Friday for elections to the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat in Baramati tehsil of Pune district, Pawar, who is the state’s Finance, Planning and Excise Minister, has said that he will ensure there is no shortage of funds for the town if they elect the candidates of his party, but if they reject them, he will also “reject”. </p>.CM Devendra Fadnavis downplays Ajit Pawar’s 'funds' remark, stresses inclusive development.<p>"I will ensure there is no shortage of funds if you elect all 18 NCP candidates. If you elect all 18 candidates, I am committed to give whatever I have promised. But if you reject, I will also reject. You have votes, I have funds," said Ajit Pawar.</p><p>Meanwhile, NCP (SP) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said the remarks are nothing short of threatening and intimidating the electorate. </p><p>“The Constitution of India vests the real authority in the people, and any attempt by a powerful public office holder to coerce their franchise is a direct attack on democracy itself,” said Tapase. </p><p>Tapase reminded that Ajit Pawar, in his capacity as Finance Minister, has taken the solemn oath he took before assuming office to execute his duties faithfully and impartially.</p><p>“Let us be absolutely clear: Ajit Pawar is merely the custodian of the public exchequer, not its owner. These funds are given from the taxes paid by the common people. Public funds must be used for the all-around development of the state and all its citizens, irrespective of whether his chosen candidates win or lose an election,” Tapase asserted. </p><p>“To explicitly link development aid to electoral success is a corrupt practice and a gross misuse of the power entrusted to the Finance Minister,” he said.“How long can the Election Commission remain a silent spectator while a prominent state leader openly threatens voters and tries to leverage state resources for political gain? The ECI must take immediate action against Ajit Pawar as per the law,” Tapase urged.</p>