In Pune, the Bharatiya Janata Party has raised funds through election bonds and other channels. In response to a lack of public support, the BJP is seeking to distribute funds in western Maharashtra to bolster their election prospects. Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan accused the BJP in Pune of relying solely on financial incentives for voters.
He expressed confidence that regardless of the BJP's spending, the Maha Vikas Aghadi and India Aghadi would secure the majority in Maharashtra. Chavan made these remarks during a press conference at the Congress Bhawan in support of Ravindra Dhangekar, the Congress candidate for the Mahavikas Aghadi in the Pune Lok Sabha constituency. The event was attended by Congress City President Arvind Shinde, MLA Abhijit Vanjari, Chandrapur District Congress President MLA Subhash Dhote, Mohan Joshi, State General Secretary Adv. Abhay Chhajed, and state spokes person Gopal Tiwari.
Chavan criticized the BJP for failing to draw crowds at Modi's rallies and resorting to financial inducements to attract attendees. He noted that the BJP's attempts to polarize the election along religious lines had not succeeded in Maharashtra, highlighting the state's strong historical ties to the ideologies of Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar. Chavan questioned the basis of Prime Minister Modi's anti-corruption claims, citing instances of electoral malpractice and illegal amendments made by the Modi government.
He called for the BJP to disclose all funds received to the Election Commission. Chavan also condemned Modi's personal attacks on Sharad Pawar, stating that such behavior was unbecoming of a Prime Minister and had caused distress among voters. He mentioned that Ajit Pawar had removed images of Modi in Baramati due to the negative impact they had on the electorate.
In response to a controversy regarding vice-chancellors' appointments, Chavan suggested that the concerned vice-chancellors should issue statements disassociating themselves from political affiliations, particularly with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Lastly, Chavan highlighted the presence of Vidarbha MLAs campaigning in Pune following the conclusion of elections in Vidarbha, indicating their role in supporting constituencies in the region.