Ahead of the BMC elections, Maharashtra BJP leader Chandrakant Patil issued a public warning to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, stating that while Pawar holds the key to the treasury, the BJP "owns" it. Patil emphasized the BJP's control over the Chief Minister and Home Ministry, cautioning Pawar against underestimating the party. The remarks, made in the presence of CM Devendra Fadnavis, signal potential strains within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Ajit Pawar, in response, defended his right to speak freely under the Constitution.