Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP and the ruling Mahayuti alliance for allegedly distorting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election trends. Raut accused the BJP of creating a misleading impression of a sweeping victory to discourage the opposition. He claimed that the actual situation in many wards is different from what is being portrayed, with delays in updating rounds where Sena and MNS are leading.
Raut raised concerns about the State Election Commission’s handling of the counting process, suggesting bias towards the ruling coalition. He also highlighted the “marker pen” controversy as part of an alleged plan to manipulate the election outcome. Raut emphasized that the numbers shown on TV screens are deceptive and urged waiting for the final results before drawing conclusions.
The ongoing BMC election showed the Mahayuti alliance leading in more than 125 seats, surpassing the majority threshold of 114 in the 227-member House. In response to Raut’s accusations, BJP leaders dismissed them as frustration over an anticipated defeat, emphasizing the transparency of the counting process with CCTV surveillance and representatives from all parties present.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance’s performance in the BMC elections as a significant endorsement for development. Fadnavis pledged to focus on development initiatives in response to the overwhelming public support received during the municipal elections, aiming to bring about a substantial change in the lives of the underprivileged and middle-class citizens.
