BMC Elections: Pawar’s Party to Contest Alone, Warns of Growing Money Power in Civic Polls

Amid the high-voltage campaigning for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, a senior leader from the Pawar-led party has clarified that the party is not part of any grand alliance and will contest the civic polls independently. Speaking to ABP News, the leader raised serious concerns over the increasing use of money power in elections. He alleged that reports of cash being distributed to voters are becoming common, reflecting a worrying trend in the electoral process. Recalling his own political journey, he said that when he contested for Parliament in 1991, his total election expenditure was around ₹35,000. “Today, even ₹35,000 seems insignificant. I have not personally seen cash distribution, but I keep hearing about such practices being widespread,” he remarked. Questioning the direction of electoral politics, he asked whether elections would be decided by money power or by the work done on the ground. He stressed that democracy can only remain strong if voters make informed choices based on performance rather than financial inducements. The leader also launched a sharp verbal attack during the final phase of campaigning, asserting that intimidation should not be mistaken for weakness. The remarks come on the last day of campaign activities ahead of voting, with political rhetoric intensifying across Maharashtra. The full interview will be aired on ABP News at 1:30 pm, offering deeper insight into the party’s stance and concerns over the conduct of civic elections.

Go to Source