'If we start speaking, it will create lot of problems': Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan hits back at Ajit Pawar over PMC corruption charges

PUNE: The BJP's state unit chief Ravindra Chavan on Saturday said NCP head Ajit Pawar should look within before levelling corruption charges on the BJP, while the latter again justified his decision to support the candidature of gangsters' kin in the PMC polls.

Chavan said, "He should be careful while making such statements and understand that if we start speaking (against him), it will create a lot of problems for him."




Ajit Pawar said, "There is a difference between a criminal and his family. If a criminal commits a murder, how can his family be held responsible for his crime? I want to iterate that if someone is found guilty, I will not support such a person."

Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol, also in charge of Pune district for BJP, earlier this week criticised the NCP's decision to field gangsters' relatives in the Pune Municipal Corporation polls. A day on, NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Friday alleged corruption in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation when BJP was in power.

BJP state chief Chavan told reporters in Pune, "Ajit Pawar made those allegations against the backdrop of the civic polls. Before making such allegations, he should look within himself."

Chavan said, "Is he speaking against the party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the state? He should first clarify it. If he wants to raise the issue of corruption, he should approach investigating agencies instead of issuing statements in the media before elections."

Ajit Pawar avoided responding to Chavan's statement. He said Chavan was a state chief of an important political party and had all the rights to express his opinion, but alleged corruption in the PMC, ruled by BJP from 2017 to 2022.

The NCP chief said, "During these years, the civic issues of Pune aggravated rather than getting addressed. A combination of corruption and lack of governance in the PMC derailed the development of the city."

NCP fielded gangster Gajanan Marne's wife from Bavdhan-Bhusari Colony ward. It forged an alliance with RPI (Kharat). Gangster Bandu Andekar's kin-sister-in-law Laxmi and daughter-in-law Sonali-got RPI (Kharat) tickets from Raviwar Peth-Nana Peth.

Meanwhile, on Ajit Pawar's statement, BJP leader Navneet Rana said, "With the support of CM Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Dada formed this entire party. They formed the govt. No one should cross their limits while speaking..."