Maharashtra Congress Accuses CM Shinde of Election Violation

Mumbai- Maharashtra Congress Working President and Chandivali candidate M. Arif Naseem Khan has accused Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of violating election norms by holding a roadshow in the Chandivali constituency on Wednesday. Khan has demanded Shinde's arrest and filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Shinde, the Shiv Sena President and ruling MahaYuti ally, is contesting from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi seat in Thane. According to Khan's complaint, Shinde visited the Chandivali constituency, near Powai, on Wednesday afternoon and held a roadshow with MahaYuti candidate Dilip Lande to attract voters.

Khan's chief polling agent, Ganesh Chavan, promptly lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Returning Officer Kalpana Gade, alleging that the CM's actions violate the ECI's Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits candidates and political leaders from entering any constituency other than their own 48 hours prior to polling. Chavan claims that Shinde's roadshow, which went from Kajupada Ghas Compound to St. Jude School, passed by multiple polling stations. He asserts that the CM openly canvassed for Lande, urging voters to elect the MahaYuti candidate.

"This act violates the Model Code of Conduct and undermines the sanctity of the election process," Chavan stated in the complaint. He expressed concerns about potential undue influence and disruption of the free and fair election process.

The Congress demands that the ECI order the Saki Naka Police Station to file an FIR against Shinde and Lande. As of now, there has been no response from either the CM's office or the ECI.

(Source- IANS)