By: Express News ServiceMumbai | Updated: September 21, 2025 08:53 PM IST 3 min readResponding to Sarvankar’s statement, Sena UBT MLA Mahesh Sawant, who defeated Sarvankar in the last Maharashtra polls, said, “It is wrong that special funds are allocated to ex-MLAs." (File image)Former Shiv Sena MLA Sada Sarvankar Sunday stirred fresh controversy by claiming that current MLAs may be receiving Rs 2 crore as development fund, but he, despite not being a serving MLA anymore, still receives Rs 20 crore.Speaking on the support he continues to enjoy, Sarvankar added, “I have never truly felt defeated because the public’s support remains unwavering. Even if I lost, my leadership – the chief minister and Eknath Shinde – stands firmly behind me. While current MLAs receive Rs 2 crore, I get Rs 20 crore even though I am not an MLA. That is why I am visible at every inauguration, because my work ethic defines me.”Commenting on his electoral defeat, Sarvankar said, “I am fully aware that I am not an MLA. Whether in Dadar or elsewhere, I have always worked diligently… But in my experience, hard work sometimes leads to defeat. Those who do nothing end up winning, often based solely on caste and community lines.”Responding to Sarvankar’s statement, Sena UBT MLA Mahesh Sawant, who defeated Sarvankar in the last Maharashtra polls, said, “It is wrong that special funds are allocated to ex-MLAs. They received Rs 20 crore – why aren’t we getting Rs 40 crore? So far, they have received Rs 500 crore for various works. Where did all this money come from and go to?”He announced plans to file a complaint with the Assembly Speaker and the chief minister, calling the situation an insult to the people of Mahim, Dadar, Matunga, and Prabhadevi.Shiv Sena UBT leader Akhil Chitre also criticised the government, saying, “Now the public understands how funds are distributed. Many leaders in the ruling party have become complacent. The ED should investigate this matter.”Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad on local body poll expensesKnown for his controversial statements, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has again sparked controversy with his remarks on local body poll expenses.Story continues below this adGaikwad said some election expenses have become prohibitively high, putting pressure on party workers.“Local body elections are no longer easy or simple. In some areas, candidates have to spend one, two, or even three crore rupees. In extreme cases, even 100 goats are demanded. Workers are under immense stress due to such high costs,” he added.Supporting a statewide seat-sharing policy for local body polls, Gaikwad said, “We give priority to the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde) alliance in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. But for local body polls, our workers are left on their own. If election costs remain this high, how can they manage? If policies followed in Chikhli or Malkapur are applied in Buldhana, we are ready for the alliance. Our workers deserve justice.”Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:shiv sena