Pune: A war of words has ensued in the Vadgaon Sheri Assembly constituency within the ruling Maha Yuti over claiming credit for development projects. An immediate reason for this is a ground-breaking ceremony for various civic works.

Former BJP MLA Jagdish Mulik has criticised sitting NCP (AP) MLA Sunil Tingre. He said, “Is it only the responsibility of the BJP and the Shiv Sena (BT) to follow the Maha Yuti Dharm (an alliance code not to work against each other’s interests)?”

While speaking to the media, NCP (AP) President and DyCM Ajit Pawar has commented on this. Pawar said, “Do not give much importance to the criticism. This has been decided by three of us, CM Eknath Shinde, DyCM Devendra Fadnavis and myself. It is as per the plan. If anyone has any misunderstanding about this, they should take note of what I have said just now.”

Mulik is upset that hoardings about the foundation-stone laying ceremony of various development works have been raised across Vadgaon Sheri. MLA Tingre is advertising that Rs 300-crore works will be done in the segment, which will be launched by Ajit Pawar. But the hoardings do not have photos of CM Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis. Mulik objected to this and angrily raised the question if the NCP (AP) was not bound by the alliance code.

Earlier, Mulik said, “Is it only for the BJP and the Shiv Sena (BT) to follow the Maha Yuti alliance code (Dharm)? Every constituent has the responsibility to follow it. But the Vadgaon Sheri MLA has forgotten this. Development works amounting to Rs 300 crores will be started in the constituency through the bhumi-pujan function, which should please residents in the segment. But people like me in the Maha Yuti have been following up these works, which the MLA is intentionally forgetting. When a huge fund of Rs 300 crores is granted, contributions of CM Eknath Shinde and DyCM Devendra Fadnavis are also important. However, the hon’ble MLA does not even have the courtesy to print the photos of Shinde and Fadnavis on the hoardings. He is trying to claim the credit for this out of his selfish intentions.”

Tingre’s reaction to the criticism

MLA Tingre said, “The programme brochure is prepared by the administration. They did it as per the rules. When a leader of a party visits my constituency, party workers, office-bearers install banners to welcome him. I do not think I have done anything wrong. State leaders will decide on this. Why should one comment on it?”