Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has landed himself in the middle of a loud political row after a sharp message he delivered at a campaign rally in Malegaon, Baramati tehsil.

Speaking to voters ahead of the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections, Pawar linked development funds directly to support for his party’s candidates, a statement that has now drawn strong reactions from the opposition.

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Pawar, who also handles the state’s Finance Department, reminded people that while voting power lies with citizens, the power to release funds rests with him. His comment came as he campaigned for all 18 candidates from his panel which includes nominees from the NCP and its alliance partners.

Standing before a packed gathering, Pawar told residents that Malegaon has many oppor

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