Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has clearly explained the difference between national, state, and local politics ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. His comments come days after his NCP faction announced an alliance with Sharad Pawar’s NCP for the civic polls.
Speaking about his long political journey, Ajit Pawar said that local body elections are always different from state or national elections. He shared that in his 35 years in politics, he has seen many elections, but local polls are fought mainly on local issues and leadership.
Pawar pointed out that the NCP is part of the NDA at the Centre and is also part of the ruling government in Maharashtra with Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde. He praised the work being done by the Central and state governments, saying that development funds are being provided and no major schemes are being delayed.
However, he stressed that this does not mean local problems should be blamed on higher governments. According to him, the real test in municipal elections is the performance of local leaders. He said that even in the past, when different parties ruled at the Centre and the state, local elections were still fought separately on city-level issues.
Referring to cities like Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawar said voters should ask why problems continue despite unity at the top. He explained that the condition of municipal corporations reflects how local leaders have worked over the years.
In simple terms, Ajit Pawar urged voters to judge local elections on local performance, not on national or state politics. He believes sensible voters understand this clear difference while casting their votes.
