Polling day in Vidarbha on Tuesday was a stark mix of electoral violence, serious allegations, and heartening civic spirit. While the region largely saw peaceful voting, incidents in Akola and Chandrapur districts required swift police intervention to maintain order.
Clashes and Cash-for-Vote Allegations Rock Akot
The town of Akot in Akola district became a flashpoint as workers from the Congress and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP clashed outside the Urdu High School polling booth in Dharool Vesh. The tension reportedly began with an argument between polling agents inside the booth before spilling outside, where supporters from both sides gathered.
Police, led by SP Archit Chandak, quickly dispersed the crowd and restored order. Six individuals were detained but were permitted to cast their votes before being questioned. Authorities confirmed the situation was brought under control rapidly, allowing voting to proceed without further interruption.
In a separate incident in Akot, a confrontation erupted outside the Nagar Parishad Urdu Senior Primary School. Opposition party representatives alleged that BJP workers were distributing cash to influence voters. The dispute turned physical, leading Akot city police to detain one person based on a complaint by a Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leader. Police Inspector Amol Malwe stated a non-cognizable offence was registered. The BJP has denied the allegations, labelling them as politically motivated.
EVM Damaged, Bogus Voter Caught in Other Districts
In Gadchandur, Chandrapur district, polling was halted for about an hour when a voter, identified as Vivek Durge, damaged a ballot unit at the Adarsh Hindi School booth. Durge alleged that an incorrect party symbol lit up when he pressed a button. He was subsequently arrested. Polling resumed after police calmed the anxious citizens and replaced the damaged unit; the control unit remained intact.
Buldhana district witnessed high drama when workers caught an alleged bogus voter, who was thrashed before being handed over to police. Congress leaders further claimed that Kunal Gaikwad, son of MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, arrived and helped the youth escape in front of police personnel. This triggered protests from Congress workers, who accused the administration of failing to maintain control at the booth.
Another cash-for-vote controversy erupted in Rajura after a fresh video surfaced on polling day, allegedly showing a BJP functionary offering Rs. 2,000 per vote. Congress leader Suraj Thakre filed a complaint demanding action. Rajura Tehsildar and election officer Omprakash Gond confirmed receiving an oral complaint and said written submissions were sought.
Steady Participation and Inspiring Stories Amid Tensions
Despite these untoward incidents, the overarching mood across Vidarbha was defined by steady voter participation. Long queues were seen at several booths, punctuated by personal stories of dedication.
In a display of civic duty, groom Sahil Solunke from Jawahar Nagar voted at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule School before heading to his wedding ceremony. Similarly, BSF jawan Ajay Ramdas Bantkar from Hiwarkhed in Akola arrived at the Zilla Parishad Mahatma Gandhi College booth in full wedding attire to cast his vote. He urged all citizens to participate in elections "even on the busiest day of their life." Another inspiring example was a 95-year-old woman who arrived early in the morning at a polling booth in Tumsar to exercise her franchise.
The day underscored the sharp contrasts of Indian elections: procedural disruptions and tense clashes were balanced by the resilient spirit of democratic participation.
