Pune: Rohit Pawar Accuses BJP Of Using Money and Intimidation in PCMC Civic Polls
Pune: Rohit Pawar Accuses BJP Of Using Money and Intimidation in PCMC Civic Polls
Pimpri-Chinchwad, January 15, 2026: NCP–Sharadchandra Pawar MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday levelled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of resorting to heavy spending and pressure tactics during the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections.
Addressing the media, Pawar claimed the ruling party had poured large sums of money into the civic polls. He alleged that two prominent BJP leaders in the city were heavily reliant on the municipal corporation for sustaining their political influence. According to him, sensing a possible defeat, the BJP was attempting to secure victory by financially influencing candidates and voters.
Pawar further alleged that cash was being distributed as part of panel-based campaigning. He claimed that ₹5,000 was allegedly given for each individual candidate, while amounts between ₹20,000 and ₹25,000 were offered for a complete panel. “This is a fight for survival for certain BJP leaders, as public support is clearly shifting away from them in Pimpri-Chinchwad,” he said.
In addition to financial irregularities, Pawar accused BJP workers of harassing opposition candidates and intimidating voters. He claimed that residents were reluctant to attend NCP rallies due to fear of threatening phone calls and other forms of pressure.
Highlighting a specific incident, Pawar alleged that a BJP worker verbally abused women at the home of an NCP woman candidate in Pimpri Gaon. He said such incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and added that his party has shared information about sensitive polling booths with the police to ensure security.
Meanwhile, both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party have come together in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad for the municipal elections, setting the stage for a direct contest between the BJP and the unified NCP in the two cities.
Rohit Pawar has been actively campaigning across Pimpri-Chinchwad since Thursday morning, interacting with voters and seeking support. He is expected to continue his outreach in Pune later in the day.
