India, Nov. 26 -- The debate over "who controls the state treasury" escalated on Tuesday as leaders from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the BJP traded sharp remarks during campaign rallies across Maharashtra.

At a public meeting in Kurduwadi, State Women's Commission chairperson and NCP leader Rupali Chakankar asserted that, despite contesting elections alongside alliance partners, the "keys to the treasury" remain with her party.

"Our party holds power in the state, and the finance minister is from our ranks. Your votes, our funds - Kurduwadi will not lack development money," she told voters.

Her comments came a day after BJP leader and Higher Education Minister Chandrakant Patil countered a remark by Ajit Pawar with his own claim. Speaki...