EC orders probe into Ajit Pawar's 'vote to get funds' remark

State chief electoral office Thursday asked the Pune collector to inquire into Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar's comments at a gathering that he would stop funds to those who didn't vote for his wife Sunetra, his party's candidate from Baramati, reports .

"We have asked the district election officer to take cognisance of it and send a report," said an official from chief electoral office. The MCC does not permit the offering of financial inducements to voters.

Sunetra Pawar is contesting the Baramati seat against sitting MP Supriya Sule, daughter of NCP founder Sharad Pawar. This is a prestige battle between Ajit Pawar and his uncle Sharad after the former split the party and joined the Shinde government in 2022.

At the gathering, Pawar said, "we will help you with as funds. But if we are giving funds, we expect you to press button next to our candidate's symbol so I will feel good about giving funds. Otherwise, I will have to hold back my hand."