‘Look in the mirror’: Fadnavis snaps back at Ajit Pawar as Pune civic polls expose Mahayuti cracks

Chief Minister says projects worth Rs 9,000 crore are underway and Rs 44,000 crore more planned as Pune civic polls expose Mahayuti faultlines.

• Fadnavis defends BJP's Pune record amid Ajit Pawar's criticism over development
• Rs 44,000 crore in infrastructure projects planned for Pune, says Fadnavis
• Alliance tensions rise as NCP partners opposition for Pune civic polls

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday took a veiled swipe at Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, saying those questioning the BJP’s contribution to Pune’s development should first “look at themselves in the mirror,” as the campaign for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections intensifies.

The exchange underscores growing strain within the BJP-led Mahayuti, with Ajit Pawar’s NCP partnering the opposition NCP (SP) for the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls.

What triggered the clash

Ajit Pawar had said on Sunday that despite substantial funds from the Centre and the state, Pune’s local leadership failed to deliver meaningful development, arguing that the “failure” warranted a change in leadership.

Without naming the BJP directly, he has also alleged corruption and rising debt in the Pimpri Chinchwad civic body, which was ruled by the BJP between 2017 and 2022.

Fadnavis lists projects, spending

Responding at a rally, Fadnavis said the BJP had only five years in power at the PMC but used that period to kickstart major projects.

He said projects worth Rs 3,000 crore were inaugurated recently, while works worth Rs 9,000 crore are currently underway across Pune. Looking ahead, he said infrastructure projects totalling Rs 44,000 crore are planned.

Key initiatives cited included the Pune Metro, equitable water supply schemes, rejuvenation of the Mula and Mutha rivers, the riverfront project, and traffic decongestion measures.

Big-ticket tunnel plan

Fadnavis also announced an underground tunnel road network, described as a “patal lok” project, spanning 54 km to ease congestion. He said Rs 32,000 crore would be allocated for the project.

The original angle: while allies often keep disputes muted during elections, the public exchange highlights how civic polls, unlike Assembly or Lok Sabha contests, have become pressure points where alliance discipline weakens and local performance records take centre stage.