Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar defended his party's decision to field candidates with criminal backgrounds for upcoming civic elections, stating no one is a criminal until proven guilty. He cited allegations against himself, including an irrigation scam, and noted his current alliance with those who made such claims. Pawar also criticized the BJP's governance in Pimpri-Chinchwad, alleging financial mismanagement, corruption, and deteriorating infrastructure under their leadership, while asserting his party's commitment to development.