MLA Rohit Pawar, addressing a press conference in Pune, firmly stated, “I was investigated by the ED, my companies were inspected. But we stand our ground. We are not the kind to run away we will continue to fight.” His remarks came in response to the controversy surrounding a welcome board bearing his name for Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, which was put up in the Karjat-Jamkhed constituency. Criticizing the state government over the recent shift in power in the Karjat Nagar Panchayat (Ahilyanagar district), Rohit Pawar leveled serious allegations against Assembly Speaker Ram Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, claiming their involvement in orchestrating the change.
Ajit Pawar had attended a public event in the Karjat-Jamkhed constituency, which Rohit Pawar represents. A welcome board for the deputy Chief minister, bearing Rohit Pawar’s name, was installed in the area. Clarifying the situation, Rohit said, “He is the deputy Chief minister and also my uncle. There is nothing wrong with party workers putting up a board in my name to welcome him. But this doesn’t mean I have changed my stance. Even after the investigations into my companies and myself, I remain committed to my stand. I am with Sharad Pawar and will not back down.” Commenting on the political developments in the Karjat Panchayat, he said, “This is a clear example of how this government prioritizes power above all else. Two years ago, corporators aligned with our ideology came to power there—while BJP had just two corporators. Recently, a no-confidence motion was brought against President Usha Raut. There’s a specific legal procedure for such a motion, and it is clear where it should be heard. However, this process was altered with the government's support.”
He further alleged, “This manipulation was done with the backing of Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde. Chief Minister Fadnavis was also involved, as he brought a special ordinance to change the procedure.” Rohit Pawar also accused the government of deliberately delaying local body elections. “The government wants to centralize all power. They believe there should be no local governance structures,” he said. “A senior BJP leader knows their politics can’t move forward without dragging Sharad Pawar into the conversation. But they like to present themselves as simple and thoughtful individuals. That’s why they let others bark on their behalf.”
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Referring to former Congress MLA Sangram Thopte joining the BJP, Rohit Pawar remarked, “It’s due to such admissions that their own people have been given minor ministerial posts. Look at Ashish Shelar and Girish Mahajan. Let them clean house entirely so we can give fresh faces a chance.” He also voiced support for students demanding reforms in competitive examinations. “The examinees requested a gap of 45 to 60 days between results and the next examination, but the government ignored them. The Chief Minister didn’t meet them. So they went to Pawar Saheb, who listened, consulted the commission, and supported their demand. Who can object to that?” he concluded.