Cash-for-Votes Scandal Erupts in Mumbai Civic Elections
This week, Mumbai's civic election campaign descended into chaos as allegations of cash distribution to voters surfaced across the metropolitan region. On Wednesday, the secret operation blew wide open with numerous reports of inducements and even a bribery FIR registered at Khandeshwar police station in Navi Mumbai.
Widespread Allegations Across Mumbai Region
From Dharavi and Kalina to Navi Mumbai and Thane, citizens reported leading political parties handing out envelopes in what appears to be a systematic cash-for-votes operation. Social media videos showed party workers quarreling openly while disregarding election laws. Witnesses reported seeing silver bowls, saris, and stacks of banknotes changing hands.
The Election Commission's flying squad made a significant seizure on Tuesday, confiscating Rs 10 lakh in cash from two two-wheelers in Nalasopara east. This discovery came as many voters already expressed disillusionment with the political process, with Wednesday's revelations further eroding faith in free and fair elections.
Political Leaders Trade Accusations
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut made serious allegations against the governing party. "Campaigning is over, but the governing party is doing something else," Raut stated. "Saris are being distributed, money is being distributed... Rules are being violated. Illegally obtained money is being distributed... Marathi people need to recognise this."
Congress leader Sachin Sawant echoed these concerns, warning that "If corrupt people are not stopped today, democracy will continue to be destroyed." Sawant specifically accused BJP workers of distributing mixers at Shant Nagar Jan Kalyan in Mumbai.
Election Commission Responds
State election commissioner Dinesh Waghmare addressed the growing concerns during a Wednesday meeting with political party representatives. "One of the issues they raised was money distribution," Waghmare confirmed. "The IG (law & order) was also present. We have flying squads and surveillance teams in place. We have assured the parties of immediate action if there is any such incident."
Most allegations pointed toward BJP and its partner, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. However, BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam firmly denied any involvement, stating "No BJP candidate or worker is indulging in this."
Specific Incidents and Voter Reactions
In Sion, voters alleged cash payouts by BJP candidate Shilpa Keluskar after a video surfaced linking her husband to the distribution. When approached for comment, Keluskar simply said "I do not wish to say anything..."
The scandal left many disadvantaged voters feeling cheated. Kajal, an Airoli resident who requested anonymity, visited a party office demanding to know why her family hadn't received payments like her neighbors. "My neighbour said she got Rs 5,000 for five votes from her house," she explained. "I too have five members. Why didn't they give me the same?" A party worker reportedly promised to pay her on polling day.
Violence also marred the campaign in Kalyan-Dombivli, where a video showed a physical altercation during campaigning. Omnath Natekar, husband of BJP candidate Arya Natekar, was campaigning in a housing society when an argument with Sena workers Nitin and Ravi Patil turned violent, leaving Natekar bleeding. Police subsequently arrested the Patils.
As Mumbai prepares for Thursday's civic election, these revelations have cast a dark shadow over the democratic process, raising serious questions about electoral integrity in India's financial capital.
