India, Nov. 27 -- Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday criticised Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar's statement suggesting that funds would depend on electoral support, saying it was improper to ask for votes on the basis of financial promises.

Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Pawar said the state's financial assistance to farmers hit by recent rains and floods was also inadequate.

Ajit Pawar, who heads the rival faction of the NCP, had told voters in Malegaon in Baramati tehsil last week that he would ensure adequate funds for the town if they backed his party's candidates, but would "reject'' them if they did not. Elections to several local bodies in Maharashtra are scheduled for...