'I had to speak up': Murlidhar Mohol responds to Ajit Pawar's 'low level' attacks ahead of PMC polls

3 minutes of readingPuneJanuary 15, 2026 1:43 PM IST

BJP leader and Union minister Murlidhar Mohol, who had been at loggerheads with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in the weeks leading up to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, on Thursday said that distasteful criticism of him had sparked the fight between the two.

“The PMC election was portrayed as Ajit Pawar versus Murlidhar Mohol. Both criticized each other. I never made personal criticisms, but I had to speak up when rivals started saying things about me,” Mohol said after casting his vote in Kothrud.

HISTORY | Pune civic polls: Javadekar, Mohol vote cast; Union Minister criticizes Ajit Pawar’s NCP

Union minister Murlidhar Mohol and former minister Prakash Javadekar exercised their right to vote while polling was underway for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections on Thursday.… pic.twitter.com/lizMHXyxCc

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026

The BJP and the NCP contested the 2024 state and national elections in a pre-poll alliance. However, the BJP decided to fight the PMC elections independently.

Mohol said he faced “low-level criticism” from the NCP, alleging that the party’s social media team and Ajit Pawar, the Pune guardian minister, attacked him in bad taste. He added that while the rivals had applied all possible means, voters were aware of the situation and would elect only the right candidates to represent them.

“We showed the work done by us when we were in power and the development work initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. Also, the mega development plan drawn up by the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for Pune,” he noted.

Ajit Pawar had publicly criticized the BJP. for failing to meet the civic infrastructure demands of Pune citizens, citing public suffering due to poor infrastructure and facilities. He also alleged corruption during the last nine years when the BJP had control over the civic body and accused a team of three officials, including Mohol, who was then the city mayor.

The NCP chief also highlighted the issue of increasing traffic problems and air, water and river pollution due to mismanagement by the local BJP, which has been in control of the civic body for the past few years. He had criticized the BJP for inducting likely NCP candidates into the party ahead of the civic polls despite an understanding among Mahayuti’s allies.

Pawar also raised the recent controversy over a prime plot of the Jain community being occupied by a real estate developer (Mohol allegedly had a business partnership with him in the past) for redevelopment purposes.

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Earlier, Mohol had criticized Pawar for filing the nomination those with criminal records and held the NCP responsible for Pune’s civic problems despite having been in power for many years in the past.

Ajay Jadhav is assistant editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With more than 22 years of industry experience, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance and sustainability. Professional Experience Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune office, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He has a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Shocking reports: You are credited with articles based on research on conservation staff (waste workers) who influenced national policy to improve working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-level infrastructure (such as helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic services such as schools in his home districts. Personal Interests: An avid hiker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in outdoor activities often influences his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Your reports at the end of 2025 have been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 civic polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city’s infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) “Not friendly, but a bitter fight looms between BJP and NCP over PMC, PCMC” (22) December 2025): A detailed look at Intense rivalry between Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. “Pune civic polls: Big blow for NCP and NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP” (December 20, 2025): Report on poaching and high-profile party changes ahead of elections. “Ajit Pawar’s NCP continues dominance in Pune, wins 10 out of 17 local bodies” (December 21, 2025): Analysis of local self-government body election results as precursors to major civic polls. 2. Infrastructure and Urban Development “Looking ahead in 2026: Pune will see inauguration of long-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route” (December 22, 2025) – An “insights” article on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to be completed by March 2026. “Pune construction: PMC to build double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha river” (18 December 2025) 2025): details a major project aimed at facilitating traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. “Condition of Pune-Kolhapur road to improve in a year: Gadkari” (December 4, 2025): Report on Union Minister’s assurance regarding one of the most critical transport corridors in the state. 3. Civic Governance and Environment “Install sensors and LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC for builders” (December 16, 2025) – A continuation of the “Breathless Pune” series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real time. “Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters” (December 16, 2025): Tracking administrative efforts to clean up voter lists ahead of 2026 elections. Signature style Ajay Jadhav is known for his accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level politics and the ‘ground zero’ reality of Pune residents. It is particularly focused on sustainable development, ensuring that as Pune becomes a “Bharat Mandapam”-style destination (referring to its report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape …Read more

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