The atmosphere surrounding Maharashtra's local body elections has turned increasingly violent, marked by a series of assaults and murders that have claimed the life of a senior Congress leader and left other candidates injured. This surge in violence represents a significant shift from the state's traditional electoral trends, where such extreme incidents are less common.
Congress Leader Succumbs to Stabbing in Akola
Hidayat Patel, the vice-president of the Maharashtra Congress, died on Wednesday morning after being stabbed multiple times in Akot city, Akola district. The attack occurred on Tuesday around 2 pm, shortly after Patel had finished his afternoon prayers at a mosque. The assailant, identified as 25-year-old Ubed Patel, was also present at the mosque and attacked the leader with a knife before fleeing the scene.
Akola Superintendent of Police Archit Chandok stated that the accused was captured by police around 8:30 pm on Tuesday after a search operation involving nearly 40 personnel in nearby jungle areas. Ubed Patel has been arrested and will be produced before a court for police custody.
Police investigations reveal a long-standing animosity between the two families, who belong to the same community. Ubed Patel allegedly blamed Hidayat Patel for the 2019 murder of his uncle, Mateen Patel. Furthermore, Ubed's family reportedly felt that the Congress leader used his political influence to obstruct their work and prevent them from gaining local power.
After the stabbing, Hidayat Patel initially walked to a local hospital himself. However, his condition deteriorated, necessitating a green corridor to transfer him to Akola for advanced treatment. He suffered a minor heart attack during treatment and passed away on the morning of January 8, 2026.
Wave of Violence Across the State
The attack on Hidayat Patel is not an isolated incident. Within a 48-hour period leading up to Wednesday evening, Maharashtra witnessed a spate of violent episodes targeting political figures. This comes as municipal corporation elections are scheduled for January 15, following local body polls held in December.
In a separate incident in Mumbai on Wednesday, Shiv Sena candidate Salim Qureshi was stabbed while campaigning in Sant Dnyaneshwar Nagar, Bandra East. Qureshi, contesting from Ward No. 92, sustained abdominal injuries around 5 pm. Police confirmed he is out of danger and has been admitted to a private hospital in Bandra West. The Kherwadi police are registering an FIR, and multiple teams, along with the Mumbai Crime Branch, are investigating the attack.
Qureshi had previously served as a corporator for the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) from 2017 to 2022 before joining the Shiv Sena.
Other reported incidents from the same volatile period include:
- A knife attack on another Shiv Sena candidate in Mumbai.
- A mob attack on the vehicle of AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
- An attempt to set fire to the office of an NCP candidate in Sambhaji Nagar.
Pre-Election Tensions and Police Response
This recent spike in violence follows other pre-election tragedies. On December 26, Mangesh Kalokhe, the husband of newly elected councillor Mansi Kalokhe from Khopoli in Raigad, was fatally attacked with swords and a sickle. He was killed on the spot while returning after dropping his daughter at school. Police arrested 11 individuals, including rival candidate Urmila Devkar, her husband, sons, and alleged contract killers.
In a separate case on January 6, Mumbai Police registered an FIR against 8-10 Shiv Sena workers for allegedly beating up a Borivali resident who objected to their entry into his society for campaigning.
Senior police officers have commented on the situation. One officer noted that some cases appear to be spontaneous, arising in the heat of the moment. The police have maintained a significant presence across the state and taken pre-emptive actions like externing known trouble-makers and seizing illegal firearms to ensure peaceful elections.
Another officer explained the underlying tensions, stating, "Usually during polls, the faultlines between local strongmen come to the fore and when one side is denied a ticket, such incidents take place. At times, over-enthusiastic party workers of rival parties get aggressive. Proper action is taken in such cases."
The convergence of old rivalries, political ambition, and the high stakes of local elections has created a dangerous climate in parts of Maharashtra, challenging law enforcement agencies to maintain order during the crucial poll period.
