A fresh political storm has hit Mumbai ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with a second candidate coming forward to accuse Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar of applying undue pressure to force a withdrawal of nomination.
Allegations of Intimidation Surface
Candidate Tejal Pawar made serious allegations at a press conference held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. She claimed that soon after she filed her nomination papers from Ward No. 226 in Colaba, concerted attempts were made to compel her to exit the electoral race. Pawar asserted that the pressure was applied through intermediaries and personal meetings, with the clear intent of ensuring she did not contest against the candidate preferred by Speaker Rahul Narvekar.
This incident marks the second such complaint in the run-up to the civic polls. Earlier, another aspirant, Haribhau Rathod, had similarly accused Narvekar of intimidation during the nomination process, setting a contentious tone for the elections.
A Detailed Account of Events
Providing a detailed narrative at the press conference, Tejal Pawar's husband recounted a series of alleged encounters. According to him, repeated phone calls began from Narvekar's personal assistant immediately after the nomination was filed. "I did not answer the calls initially as my child was unwell and I was at Bombay Hospital," he stated.
The situation escalated on January 31, the day of the scrutiny of nomination papers. Initially, five candidates had filed from the ward, of which two were declared invalid, leaving three eligible candidates, including Tejal Pawar.
The husband claimed that after the scrutiny, he was surrounded by Narvekar's aides outside the returning officer's office near Richard Cruz Mill. "They insisted that I meet Rahul Sir immediately. When I said my wife was with me and questioned their behaviour, one of them said, 'We are from Colaba'," he alleged.
Claims of Coercion and Promises
The account took a more serious turn as he described being cornered near a vehicle with security personnel. Despite his refusal, he alleged he was pressured into the car. Once inside, the tone of the conversation reportedly shifted.
"Initially, it was said affectionately, 'What do you want? Take any contract you want. First, withdraw the nomination. I will set your life'," Pawar's husband quoted. He said this exchange made him realise the true intention behind the meeting: to secure his wife's withdrawal from the election.
Tejal Pawar, who previously worked at Tata Memorial Hospital, decided to contest with a desire to serve the public, her husband emphasised, underscoring the personal motivation behind her candidacy.
Broader Implications and Legal Challenges
This controversy adds to a growing list of allegations of interference in the BMC polls. In a related development, eight other candidates have moved the High Court, accusing Narvekar of forcing the returning officer and police to not accept their nominations.
The repeated accusations against a high constitutional authority like the Assembly Speaker raise significant questions about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process for India's richest municipal corporation. The developments are likely to fuel political debates and could lead to further legal scrutiny as the election date approaches.
