Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly criticised political parties for fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds in Pune’s municipal elections. He questioned the contradiction between promises of crime-free governance and the reality of ticket distribution, calling it “absolutely wrong.” Fadnavis emphasized that even if such candidates win, their place is in jail, not in the municipal corporation.

He highlighted the repeated assurances made about eliminating gangs like the “Koyta gang” and asked why candidates with criminal records were being given tickets in a city of around 6 lakh people. Fadnavis expressed confidence that Pune residents would not accept this and said, “On one hand, you say crime must be eradicated; on the other, you support criminals. This is unacceptable.”

The remarks come after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused the BJP and NCP of promoting hooliganism to win elections, alleging that parties have even given tickets to relatives of gangsters. He claimed Pune, once known for its beauty, is now seen as a “city of goons” and argued that the Mahayuti alliance relies on such tactics to secure victories. The State Election Commission of Maharashtra has announced elections for 29 municipal corporations, including BMC, PMC, and PCMC. Polling is set for January 15, with counting on January 16.