PCMC poll: Ajit Pawar says BJP rule saw little governance, only corruption

Pawar said, “When NCP ruled, 'koyta' were never to be seen..Now they are roaming free, they are torching vehicles. They need to be put in place through strong actions. Today's rulers had been soft on such gangs and that is why they went scot-free. We will ensure that such gangs are reined-in.''

DEPUTY Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday again targeted the BJP rule in Pimpri-Chinchwad, alleging that they knew nothing about governance but only indulged in corruption.

”Those who ruled Pimpri-Chinchwad had no clue how to govern, they knew only about indulging in corruption,” Pawar said at an election rally in Akurdi. The BJP ruled Pimpri-Chinchwad from 2017 to 2022.

Pawar said some citizens told him that goons were brought in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. ”Why were goons brought in PCMC ? The Constitution given by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was to express views…It is meant to keep all of us together. And today goons are calling the shots. Something which never happened in PCMC is happening today,” he said.

Pawar said he ruled PCMC for 25 years, PMC for 10 years and even looked after the Pune Zilla Parishad and district. ”But power never went to my head. We were never power drunk..When my party workers behaved wrongly, I told them I won’t tolerate it. Today, my sisters are not safe in the city. Some are use intimidating tactics, some are spreading terror. Some have come out of jail and are frightening citizens,” he said.

Pawar said they can also give befitting reply to those using intimating tactics. ”But we adhere to the model code of conduct, we will never indulge in such things,” he said.

The Deputy CM said he wants to ensure that basic civic amenities are in place in Akurdi and surrounding areas. ”Be it natural nullahs or streams, health facilities, putting in strong cleanliness system or improving the facilities in and around Hegdewar Bhavan, we will work with renewed vigour for providing adequate civic amenities,” he said, adding that helpline centres will also be set up for citizens.

He again alleged that during BJP rule in PCMC there was corruption in sterilisation of stray dogs. ”Do you want to hand over the rule to such people?” he asked.

The Deputy CM again emphasised that through the use of Artificial Intelligence, NCP will put in better services in place in Pimpri-Chinchwad.