Nagpur: Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Friday rejected Congress's charge that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) used pressure to thin the legislative council election field in Vidarbha. This denial follows allegations made a day earlier by Sakoli MLA Nana Patole, who claimed that the Mahayuti alliance unleashed law enforcement agencies on Congress nominees for the Bhandara-Gondia local authorities constituency MLC seat, leading two of their three nominees to back out of the contest.
Bawankule's Response to Allegations
Bawankule, who also serves as Nagpur's guardian minister and is overseeing the Mahayuti council campaign in Vidarbha, stated that the alliance's lead among the voting councillors left no room for the coercion charge to stand. He asserted, "BJP has never resorted to pressure politics. Instead, it was the Congress which did the politics of goondagiri and force for 65 years. Show me one candidate in the state on whom force was used by BJP. Congress is making allegations because it cannot manage its own people."
Mahayuti's Dominance in Key Constituencies
In Chandrapur, Yavatmal, and Raigad, the Mahayuti alliance has close to 90% of the voting councillors on its side, Bawankule said. He added that unopposed results in such seats avoided unnecessary expenditure on a contest whose outcome was already settled. Bawankule clarified that where the contest is close, Mahayuti has no objection to the polls being fought. He thanked the candidates who withdrew their nominations and noted that with about 70% of the vote weighted against them, their defeat was certain.
Reaction to Councillors Being Sent to Resorts
On the issue of Mahayuti's own councillors being grouped and sent to resorts before polls, Bawankule remarked in a tongue-in-cheek manner, "Some councillors have been told to go on tour today. Every councillor feels they should go for a trip." This comment came in the context of ensuring that councillors remain together and avoid any potential poaching attempts by rival parties.
Background of the Controversy
The Times of India had reported on Friday about the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) filing a complaint with the Election Commission of India, the State Election Commission, and the Bhandara district magistrate, seeking action against officials it accused of partisan conduct. The MVA alleged that the administration was acting in favor of the Mahayuti alliance, particularly in the Bhandara-Gondia local authorities constituency. Bawankule's statements aim to counter these allegations and reaffirm the Mahayuti's confidence in its electoral strength.
In summary, the minister's defense highlights the political tensions surrounding the MLC elections in Vidarbha, with both alliances trading charges of coercion and misconduct. The Mahayuti maintains that its lead among councillors is a result of genuine support, not intimidation, while the Congress continues to press its case with election authorities.
