Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar Spar Over 'Friendly Fights' & 'Dadagiri' in Civic Polls

• Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar traded barbs on the last day of campaigning for the January 15 civic polls in Pune district.
• Fadnavis expressed displeasure over Ajit Pawar's criticism of BJP despite their alliance, questioning the concept of 'friendly fights'.
• Ajit Pawar, whose NCP faction is allied with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) for these polls, defended his criticism by stating that highlighting civic body shortcomings is necessary.
• Pawar reiterated corruption allegations against the previous governing party (BJP) in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations.
• Fadnavis mocked NCP's poll promise of free Metro/PMPML rides, while Pawar countered that the CM acknowledged empty coffers, which NCP would replenish.

Why It Matters: Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar engaged in a heated exchange over poll tactics and promises ahead of Pune civic elections.