Pune Civic Row: BJP Slashes Development Funds For NCP Corporators Amol Balwadkar & Suhas Tingre To Zero

Pune's internal strife within the Mahayuti alliance has worsened after the BJP eliminated development funds for Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) corporators Amol Balwadkar and Suhas Tingre. Both NCP leaders had harshly criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Minister Chandrakant Patil, and other senior BJP leaders.

The BJP's House Leader, Ganesh Bidkar, reported the action to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, submitting a complaint against the two corporators. Bidkar argued the zero fund allocation was due to their repeated criticism of senior alliance leaders. However, he stated the decision would not impact development works for residents in the two wards.

BJP's action has exposed differences between BJP and NCP within the civic body. They have rejected allegations that NCP corporators were unfairly denied opportunities to speak or treated unfairly in fund allocation. According to Bidkar, BJP members received an average of nine minutes of speaking time per member, while NCP members averaged 18 minutes.

The BJP also disputed claims that NCP corporators received less development funding, pointing to lower allocations during the NCP's tenure. The move is tied to Balwadkar's criticism of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' rally and a resolution by him and Tingre to inquire into MLA-funded works in Kothrud Assembly constituency. The development funds withdrawal is expected to escalate the differences within the Mahayuti alliance in Pune.