I owe no debt despite decades of allegations: Ajit Pawar on 'vote for funds' remark
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nov 24 (PTI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday defended his controversial "vote for funds" remark, asserting that despite decades of allegations, he owes "no debt to anyone".
Addressing a public rally at Jintur in Parbhani district ahead of the December 2 local body polls, the NCP leader acknowledged the intense media scrutiny over his remarks, noting that any issue is quickly linked to him.
He stressed his respect for the Model Code of Conduct, and admitted that mistakes can occur in public work.
During campaigning on Friday for elections to the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat in Baramati tehsil of Pune district, Pawar said he will ensure there is no shortage of funds for the town if they elect his party's candidates, but if they reject them, he will also "reject".
ALSO READ: You have votes, I have funds; if you reject, I will also reject: Ajit Pawar tells electors
The Opposition had criticised Pawar and demanded an apology from him.
Addressing the controversy, the deputy CM on Monday said, "The media is watching me and monitoring my words about the funds. If anything happens, they now immediately remember Ajit Pawar."
"I fully understand that the Model Code of Conduct must not be breached. It is true that one who works may make errors. However, I want to remind you that I have faced numerous allegations over the past 35 years, but I know that I do not owe any debt to anybody," he added.
Ahead of the Jintur Municipal Council election, Pawar reaffirmed his commitment to the region's progress.
"I will stand with the people here when it comes to development, that is all I will say here. Alternate arrangements would be made for individuals impacted by development projects," he said.
ALSO READ: Ajit Pawar's 'vote for funds' warning: NCP (SP) seeks EC actions, public apology from Dy CM
Pawar also used the rally to appeal to the Election Commission (EC) for unbiased action, claiming that the law is not being applied equally to all parties. He raised concerns about what he termed "fake allegations" and specific activities by some non-government groups ahead of the local body elections.
"Some people from an organisation are visiting voters' homes and asking about their family members, work, and residences. Election Commission officials do not seem to notice that people from a private organisation are approaching citizens in this manner while the Model Code of Conduct is in effect. Law should be the same for everyone, and everyone should be treated equally," he said.
Citing various central and state government schemes, the deputy CM emphasised that these resources can be channelled for the region's progress, asserting "the schemes should not remain for name's sake".
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
