Pune: Baramati Election Turmoil: Rohit Pawar Criticizes Vote-Buying, Calls for Action
Baramati, 7th May 2024: The NCP (Sharad Pawar) party has alleged that money was distributed on the eve of the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency polls. The party’s Baramati city president, Sandeep Gujar, and youth president, Satyavrat Kale, have filed a complaint with the police regarding this matter. Additionally, MLA Rohit Pawar has criticized the NCP (Ajit Pawar) faction in connection with this issue.
The complaint stated that on the eve of voting in the Baramati Constituency, at locations such as Amrai and Mujawar Wada, money is being distributed to buy votes. Furthermore, there are reports of intimidation and harassment, leading to an atmosphere of fear in the area. Given these circumstances, the complaint urges the police to increase their presence in the area, conduct patrols, and take action against the perpetrators.
When MLA Rohit Pawar arrived to cast his vote in Baramati this morning, he addressed reporters, stating, “Dhanshakti (financial power) was used extensively on the eve of the polls. Money was found in a car that was broken into in Bhor taluka. In Baramati, where money distribution was unprecedented, it became a battle between people’s power and wealth. There was a concerted effort to utilize money on a large scale, but in many instances, citizens refused the money. Pune District Central Co-Operative Bank Ltd. typically closes at 5 PM for all citizens, yet for some, it remains open until one o’clock in the night, with employees also participating. This is unacceptable. Therefore, this year’s battle in Baramati is shaping up to be one of people’s power versus financial power.”
He further said, “The Maharashtra State Government has provided Y Plus security to certain individuals, and this is the reason for it. In Bhor, money was distributed by Maval MLAs and their supporters. Additionally, representatives of sugar factories, which operate under the guidance of Ajit Pawar, were also observed in this context. Hence, this election represents a clash between the power of the people and the power of money.”
