Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has triggered a major controversy after warning that development funds would be withheld in areas where candidates of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) emerge victorious in the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, reported news agency PTI.

Funds linked to poll symbols, says minister at Sindhudurg rally

Addressing an election rally in the Fonda constituency of Kankavli in Sindhudurg district on Sunday, Rane said the release of funds depended on the poll symbol of the winning candidate. “If I see the lotus or the bow and arrow, funds are sanctioned immediately. But if the flaming torch appears, I will even stop funds that have already been approved,” he said, referring to the symbols of the BJP, Shiv Sena and Sena (UBT), respectively, reported PTI.