The President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, Harshwardhan Sapkal, criticized the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, alleging a systematic destruction of “free and fair elections” during the ongoing local body polls. He specifically targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar for bypassing democratic norms, claiming a rise in horse-trading activities even before polling day. Sapkal, in a press conference, expressed concern over the ruling parties’ attempts to eliminate the Opposition entirely, contrasting it with the inclusive approach of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Sapkal accused the current administration of resorting to extreme measures to ensure unopposed victories, such as preventing Opposition candidates from filing nominations, issuing threats, and using pressure tactics with the support of the police and administration. He demanded that voters in constituencies with unopposed candidates be allowed the ‘NOTA’ option to preserve their right to vote. Additionally, he criticized Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar for allegedly compromising the dignity of his office by favoring his relatives and obstructing Opposition candidates, urging the President of India to intervene.
Regarding the Election Commission’s investigation into Narwekar’s alleged threats against opponents, Sapkal highlighted the presence of CCTV footage and witness testimonies, dismissing the enquiry report as an attempt to shield the Speaker. He also commented on the internal discord within the ruling alliance, referring to the public disagreements between the Mahayuti parties as ‘Nura Kushti (fixed wrestling).’ Sapkal called for a resolution to the infighting, suggesting that either Ajit Pawar should exit the government or the BJP should remove him.
