Didn’t Insult Sharad Pawar At Pune DPDC Meeting – Ajit Pawar

Reported by Tikam Shekhawat

Pimpri Chinchwad, 21st July 2024: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has firmly rebutted the criticisms made by Supriya Sule, who recently accused him of mismanagement in the allocation of funds during the Pune District Planning Development Committee (DPDC) meeting.

Speaking at an NCP workers’ gathering in Pimpri-Chinchwad today, Pawar addressed the controversy, emphasizing his respect for Sharad Pawar and denying any wrongdoing.

The political tension escalated following Supriya Sule’s remarks, which were made during the Pune District Planning Committee meeting yesterday. Sule had alleged that Ajit Pawar’s group was being favoured in the distribution of funds and claimed that their voices were not heard during the discussions.

In response, Ajit Pawar clarified his stance, stating, “Sharad Pawar is my god. I can never insult him. Maharashtra is known for its civility and respect for all individuals. The narratives being spread are incorrect.”

Pawar further addressed the allegations that others were barred from speaking and were unfairly treated in the meeting. He dismissed these claims, asserting, “There is no truth to these allegations. I was attentive throughout the meeting, and I had no intention of hurting or offending anyone. Our goal was to understand and address all concerns raised.”

Ajit Pawar, Pune’s Guardian Minister, presided over the District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC) meeting held yesterday at the Council Hall. Sharad Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, attended the meeting as a special invitee.

During the meeting, Sharad Pawar raised concerns about untreated wastewater being discharged by certain factories in the Baramati tehsil. In response, Ajit Pawar assured that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had been instructed to issue notices to the offending factories.

The discussion took a contentious turn when Sharad Pawar inquired about the distribution of funds among various tehsils in the Pune district. According to a DPDC member, Ajit Pawar did not directly address the question. Instead, he referenced a Government Resolution (GR) and stated that the invited members were not permitted to participate in the discussion on fund allocation.

In response to the criticism, Ajit Pawar clarified, “I have not objected to anyone, and there should be no misunderstanding regarding this matter. I referred to the GR to adhere to the prescribed protocol. Many were unfamiliar with the details of the GR, which is why I cited it during the meeting.”