Pune, Jan. 11 -- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly criticised political parties for fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds in Pune's municipal elections, questioning the contradiction between promises of crime-free governance and the reality of ticket distribution.

Referring to repeated assurances about eliminating gangs like the "Koyta gang," Fadnavis said supporting or nominating criminals was "absolutely wrong" and asserted that even if such candidates win elections, they would ultimately face jail, not positions in the municipal corporation.

"Pune has a population of approximately 6 lakhs. Why was it necessary to give tickets to people with criminal backgrounds as candidates? Everyone says and believes...