Written by Ajay JadhavPune | January 3, 2026 10:23 PM IST 2 min readTaking on BJP over criticising NCP for fielding candidates with criminal background in the Pune Municipal Corporation election, NCP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar took a jibe at Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol saying that everyone knows who helped accused Nilesh Ghaiwal flee the country after being booked in serious offence.Mohol had criticised Ajit Pawar-led NCP for giving tickets to accused in jail for murder cases to contest in elections. “Guardian Minister (Ajit Pawar) who speaks publicly to end criminal activities in the city should have checked the part list of candidates as it includes people involved in serious crimes. All political parties should keep criminals out of electoral politics,” Mohol had said while taking on NCP.Pawar said those criticising NCP should first look at themselves. “Everyone knows who helped a notorious goon flee the country by enabling him get a passport,” Pawar said taking a jibe at Mohol.Those fielded by NCP have not been proven guilty and are only accused in the cases, he said. “There was also corruption allegation against me for Rs 70,000 crore. I am sitting next to those who made allegations against me. It is only after proven guilty that the person can be considered to be involved in crime…”Also Read | After Ajit Pawar goes on the offensive, BJP state president avoids targeting him in Pimpri-ChinchwadThe BJP has fielded candidates who belong to family of persons booked in serious crimes, said Pawar.The NCP chief also said that the civic problems of city increased during BJP’s rule in the city due to failure of the local leadership who controlled the civic body.“The previous elected body led by BJP failed to address civic issues and couldn’t meet the needs of public,” he said adding traffic issue aggravated, air and river pollution increased while citizens fell sick.Story continues below this ad“We are in alliance in the state but now contesting against each other in civic body,” said Pawar.In last nine years, there was lack of proper planning of development, lack of vision and control over administration that affected the development of city, he said.Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds 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. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has 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 lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to 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" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... 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