Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday defended his controversial "vote for funds" remark, asserting that despite decades of allegations, he owes "no debt to anyone", reported news agency PTI.

Addressing a public rally at Jintur in Parbhani district ahead of the December 2 Maharashtra local body elections, the NCP leader acknowledged the intense media scrutiny over his remarks, noting that any issue is quickly linked to him.