New Delhi: Reacting to his nephew and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar’s “no vote, no funds” remark, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar head Sharad Pawar on Thursday (November 27) said that it was inappropriate to seek votes based on financial assurances.

"Instead of seeking votes on the basis of work done, the votes are sought based on financial assurances. This thing is not appropriate. If there is only one goal to win the elections by bringing financial aspects, then what is the need to comment on such things," Pawar told reporters in Pune district’s Baramati, reported Press Trust of India.

Pawar added that the aid provided by the state government to farmers for losses due to rains and floods is not sufficient.

"The state has taken a decision to stop the recovery of loans taken by farmers for one year. The measure will help the farmers temporarily, but not in the long term. Looking at the losses farmers suffered, the state should have provided partial financial aid to the farmers. This could have helped farmers adequately," said Pawar.

On November 21, Ajit Pawar had said that rejecting his party’s candidates in the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat elections could result in withdrawal of funds for the municipal council.

“The Malegaon Municipal Council’s budget is only Rs. 15 crore, and more funds are needed for development. I had given more funds to Baramati, which is why it is developed today. If you elect our candidates, I am committed to give whatever I have promised. But if you reject, I will also reject. You have votes, I have funds,” Ajit Pawar had said

His comments had drawn severe criticism from the opposition parties, who had urged the Election Commission to take action against the deputy chief minister for the remarks.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.