Sun Nov 23 01:45:55 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, head of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), promised voters in Malegaon that he would ensure ample funds for the town if they elected all 18 NCP candidates in the upcoming Nagar Panchayat elections. He stated that if they rejected the NCP candidates, he would also “reject” the town, implying a withholding of funds. This statement, made during a campaign rally on November 21, 2025, has drawn criticism from opposition leader Ambadas Danve of Shiv Sena (UBT), who accused Pawar of threatening voters, asserting that public funds come from taxes, not from Pawar’s personal wealth. Elections to the Nagar Panchayats are scheduled for December 2nd, and the NCP is allied with a BJP-backed panel in Malegaon.

News Article:

Pawar Promises Funds for Votes, Sparks Controversy

Pune, November 23, 2025 – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is facing criticism for comments made during a campaign rally in Malegaon on Friday, November 21st. Pawar, head of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), promised voters that he would ensure the town receives ample funding if they elect all 18 NCP candidates in the upcoming Nagar Panchayat elections scheduled for December 2nd.

“I will ensure there is no shortage of funds if you elect all 18 NCP candidates,” Pawar stated. “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.”

The remark has sparked outrage from opposition parties. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve accused Pawar of threatening voters, stating, “Funds are given from the taxes paid by the common people and not from Ajit Pawar’s house. If a leader like Mr. Pawar is threatening voters, what is the Election Commission doing?”

The NCP is allied with a BJP-backed panel in Malegaon for the Nagar Panchayat elections. Pawar currently holds the finance portfolio in the BJP-NCP-Shiv Sena government. The controversy is likely to intensify as the election date approaches.

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