Maharashtra's Ajit Pawar sparks backlash over past controversy remarks ahead of local elections, fueling BJP-NCP tensions.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, is facing criticism from BJP and Shiv Sena leaders for remarks about past controversies, such as a fugitive gangster and a land scam, ahead of the January 15 local body elections in Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune. BJP leaders accused Pawar of overstepping his authority and urged him to focus on governance, while Pawar defended free speech and questioned the credibility of allegations, challenging opponents to examine criminal records from all parties. The exchange highlights rising tensions between the BJP and the NCP, which are allies at the state and national levels but rivals in civic elections.