Pune: Tensions within the Mahayuti surfaced at an event in Pimpri-Chinchwad, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar shared the stage. During the inauguration of projects by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, MLA Mahesh Landge, an ally of Fadnavis, praised the Chief Minister for the city’s development but did not mention Ajit Pawar. This prompted Pawar to respond, highlighting his own contributions to Pimpri-Chinchwad's growth and criticizing Landge for not acknowledging his role.
The event, organized under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, was meant for the inauguration and foundation stone laying of several development projects. Both Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Mahesh Landge said, "The real recognition of Pimpri-Chinchwad came after Devendra Fadnavis became the Chief Minister in 2014. During his tenure, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation received the approval to function independently.
Now, we are witnessing the foundation stone being laid for the ongoing development. Pimpri-Chinchwad was once overlooked in the shadow of Pune, but Fadnavis brought it to the forefront. This land, which is blessed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, deserves a separate district, and I hope it will be named Shivneri,” Landge stated.
Ajit Pawar's Retort:
In his speech, Ajit Pawar responded to Landge’s omission of his name by stating, "Mahesh Landge spoke about Pimpri-Chinchwad’s development, but I don’t understand why he felt bad about mentioning my name.
However, the entire city of Pimpri-Chinchwad knows who contributed. In 1992, I became your MP. From 1992 to 2017, I worked towards the development of Pimpri-Chinchwad. It’s been 25 years, and I’ve always paid attention to the city’s growth. Ask the officials how many times I visit these buildings and check progress.
We are in the Mahayuti, and we should learn to appreciate those who do good work. Don’t be miserly. I’m generous and always give credit where it’s due,” he remarked.
Pawar further added, “There’s news about 21 new districts being announced on January 26, but now, no district will be declared. What is happening now is progressing well. The government will make decisions when the time is right, but please refrain from spreading unnecessary rumors.”