Congress Leader Calls for Fresh Elections in Unopposed Municipal Wards
State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal made a strong demand on Monday. He insisted that elections must be conducted in municipal wards where candidates were declared elected without any contest. This issue involves around 68 wards across various municipal corporations in Maharashtra.
Allegations of Democratic Assault
Speaking to media representatives in Solapur, Sapkal expressed serious concerns. He stated that election authorities appeared to rush through declaring candidates unopposed. Most of these uncontested victories reportedly went to candidates from BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. These parties form the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state.
"This hurried process represents an assault on democracy," Sapkal declared emphatically. "It directly robs citizens of their fundamental right to vote." The Congress leader argued that elections should proceed in these wards regardless of circumstances. He suggested that even if NOTA (None of the Above) remains the only opposing option, voters deserve their chance.
"Voters must receive a genuine opportunity to exercise their franchise," Sapkal emphasized during his media interaction.
Scheme Payments and Election Timing
The state Congress chief raised another significant issue. He urged the state government to immediately halt instalment releases under the Ladki Bahin scheme. Sapkal demanded this pause continue until voting for municipal corporation elections concludes on January 15.
He directly accused the ruling coalition of attempting to influence voters through these payments. "The timing of these disbursements raises serious questions," Sapkal stated clearly. He contrasted current practices with past approaches.
"Whenever Congress governments implemented scholarships or welfare schemes for farmers and women, BJP dismissed them as mere freebies," he recalled. "Now, with limited developmental achievements to showcase, BJP has turned to direct cash transfers."
Sapkal clarified that his party does not oppose the Ladki Bahin scheme itself. However, he proposed specific improvements if BJP genuinely cares about women's welfare.
- Waive farmers' loans completely
- Increase Ladki Bahin assistance to Rs 2,100 monthly
- Release instalments only after final votes are cast
Election Commission Under Scrutiny
The Congress leader leveled serious allegations against election authorities. He claimed the Election Commission of India was ignoring clear violations of the model code of conduct.
"Earlier during municipal council elections, authorities identified duplicate voters with double-star markings," Sapkal pointed out. "What happened to those lists now? Could the same voters potentially cast ballots again in corporation elections?"
He asserted that current polls were not proceeding in a free and fair manner. These concerns add to growing questions about electoral integrity.
Political Defections and Alleged Conspiracies
Sapkal also addressed recent political developments. He claimed that Pradnya Satav, wife of late Congressman Rajeev Satav, joined BJP under pressure and inducements.
"Contemporary politics increasingly focuses on personal gain rather than public service," he observed. "She resigned her position and will likely receive BJP nomination for the same seat within a year."
The Congress leader expressed frustration about political turncoats receiving rewards. "The party has numerous capable leaders, yet defectors get preferential treatment," Sapkal noted. "Loyalty shifts overnight from Congress to BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and RSS. This transformation seems nothing short of miraculous."
Alleged Manipulation of Opposition Leadership
During a Congress rally organized for Kolhapur Municipal Corporation at Kasba Bawda, Sapkal made additional revelations. He alleged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis engineered events to prevent Congress MLC Satej Patil from becoming Leader of the Opposition in the state legislative council.
"Our party had decided to appoint Patil as LoP in the upper house," Sapkal explained. "However, Fadnavis specifically wanted to avoid having this fiery Congress leader in that position."
He claimed the Chief Minister conspired to ensure Patil did not assume the opposition leadership role. "Fadnavis orchestrated Pradnya Satav's resignation specifically to block Patil's appointment as LoP," Sapkal added during his rally address.
The Congress leader's statements highlight growing political tensions in Maharashtra. These developments occur as municipal elections approach their conclusion later this month.
