In a strong condemnation of alleged political coercion, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Amit Thackeray has called upon the state's Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers to witness firsthand the pressure tactics used against civic poll candidates. His statement comes in the wake of the brutal murder of a party worker in Kolhapur, a case directly linked to the withdrawal of a nomination.
A Call for Accountability from the Top
Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, expressed his outrage on Sunday. He challenged the state's leadership to see for themselves how candidates are being pressured to withdraw their nominations, thereby ensuring unopposed victories for the ruling parties' nominees. "Let the CM and deputy CMs come and see. If elections are to take place this way, we don't want to contest," Thackeray told reporters in Solapur.
He added sarcastically that the MNS would be fine if the government's candidates won without opposition and proceeded to misrule the cities. "But let there be no murders," he asserted, linking the political climate directly to the recent violence.
The Tragic Trigger: A Nomination Dispute Turns Deadly
Thackeray's comments followed his visit to the grieving family of Balasaheb Saravade, a 36-year-old MNS students' wing president. Saravade was hacked to death last Friday in Kolhapur. The prime accused in the case is BJP's former corporator Shalan Shinde, along with her husband and sons.
The murder stemmed from a quarrel over the withdrawal of nomination papers for the civic polls. According to reports, Saravade's sister-in-law, Rekha, had filed a nomination from Ward 2, hoping for a BJP ticket. The ticket, however, was awarded to Shinde. Saravade was then reportedly coaxed and pressured to make Rekha withdraw her nomination, which she eventually did.
The conflict did not end there. Shalan Shinde's sons allegedly taunted the Saravade family after the withdrawal, leading to a heated altercation that culminated in Saravade's killing. He was stabbed multiple times in the chest, with wounds puncturing his heart, leading to his death before he could reach the hospital.
Aftermath and Assurances
During his 30-minute meeting with Saravade's mother, widow, and two daughters, Amit Thackeray assured the family of all possible support from the party. He also promised to help secure the education of Saravade's two daughters.
On the legal front, the police have acted swiftly. Five accused, including key suspects, are already in police custody. Authorities have booked a total of 15 individuals for alleged murder and rioting. The weapons believed to be used in the crime have also been seized, strengthening the case.
This incident has cast a stark light on the intense and often dangerous pressures surrounding local body elections, raising serious questions about democratic processes at the grassroots level.
