Sharad Pawar on Thursday (November 27) cautioned against the practice of linking public funds to electoral support, responding sharply to his nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s controversial “no vote, no funds” statement.

Speaking to reporters in Baramati, the Nationalist Congress Party–Sharadchandra Pawar chief said such appeals were an inappropriate way to seek public mandate.

“Instead of seeking votes on the basis of work done, the votes are sought based on financial assurances. This thing is not appropriate. If there is only one goal to win the elections by bringing financial aspects, then what is the need to comment on such things,” he said, as reported by Press Trust of India.

Pawar also criticised the Maharashtra government’s relief measures for rain- and flood-affected farmers, calling them inadequate. He noted that the one-year halt on loan recovery would offer only temporary respite.

“The state has taken a decision to stop the recovery of loans taken by farmers for one year. The measure will help the farmers temporarily, but not in the long term. Looking at the losses farmers suffered, the state should have provided partial financial aid to the farmers. This could have helped farmers adequately,” he said.

The remarks from the senior Pawar came in the backdrop of Ajit Pawar’s November 21 warning during Malegaon Nagar Panchayat polls that rejecting candidates from his party could lead to development funds being withheld.

“The Malegaon Municipal Council’s budget is only Rs. 15 crore, and more funds are needed for development. I had given more funds to Baramati, which is why it is developed today. If you elect our candidates, I am committed to give whatever I have promised. But if you reject, I will also reject. You have votes, I have funds,” Ajit Pawar had said.

His comments triggered criticism from opposition parties, who demanded that the Election Commission initiate action against the deputy chief minister for the remarks.