Ajit Pawar Responds to CM Devendra Fadnavis on Mahesh Landge Controversy, BJP–NCP Tension Rises

Ajit Pawar hits back at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the Mahesh Landge controversy, intensifying BJP vs NCP political tension ahead of Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections.

January 11, 2026 | Pimpri-Chinchwad – The political temperature in Maharashtra has risen after Nationalist Congress Party leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar responded sharply to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the Mahesh Landge controversy. The exchange, reported on January 11, 2026, has brought BJP–NCP differences into sharp focus, particularly ahead of the crucial Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections.

Ajit Pawar’s reaction came after statements made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding Mahesh Landge, a development that has sparked intense political debate. Pawar questioned the intent behind the remarks and accused the BJP of selectively raising issues for political advantage during election season. He asserted that the NCP would not remain silent when its leaders or workers are targeted unfairly.

Addressing the controversy, Ajit Pawar stated that politics should be based on facts and governance rather than allegations and counter-allegations. He emphasised that the NCP has consistently focused on development and public welfare in Pimpri-Chinchwad and across Maharashtra. According to him, attempts to divert attention from real civic issues would not benefit citizens.

The BJP, meanwhile, defended Chief Minister Fadnavis’s remarks, maintaining that transparency and accountability are essential in public life. BJP leaders argued that raising questions does not amount to political targeting and claimed that voters deserve clarity on issues involving public representatives. They accused the NCP of reacting defensively instead of addressing concerns directly.

Political observers note that Pimpri-Chinchwad has emerged as a key battleground ahead of municipal elections, making every statement and controversy politically significant. The Mahesh Landge issue has now become part of the broader narrative of BJP versus NCP rivalry in urban local body politics.

Analysts believe that Ajit Pawar’s response reflects an effort to consolidate party workers and send a clear message that the NCP leadership will firmly defend its leaders. Such assertive posturing is seen as crucial to maintaining morale at the grassroots level, especially during high-stakes civic elections.

Opposition parties have closely watched the exchange, interpreting it as a sign of growing friction between alliance partners at different levels of governance. While the BJP and NCP are part of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra, their rivalry at the municipal level often plays out more openly, driven by local political equations.

Local NCP workers in Pimpri-Chinchwad expressed support for Ajit Pawar’s stand, stating that the party should focus on development achievements rather than getting drawn into politically motivated controversies. They highlighted infrastructure projects, civic services, and welfare schemes implemented under NCP leadership in the region.

Residents, however, expressed mixed reactions. Some citizens felt that political leaders should prioritise civic issues such as traffic, water supply, sanitation, and infrastructure rather than engaging in public disputes. Others viewed the exchange as an inevitable part of democratic politics, particularly during election periods.

As of January 11, 2026, the Mahesh Landge controversy continues to generate debate within political circles and the media. Whether the issue will influence voter sentiment in the Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections remains to be seen, but it has undeniably sharpened the BJP–NCP rivalry.

With campaigning expected to intensify, both parties are likely to use the controversy to mobilise supporters and shape narratives in their favour. The coming days will reveal whether the focus shifts back to civic governance or whether political exchanges continue to dominate the election discourse in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

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