Woman Farmer Candidate Forced to Seek Police Protection for Nomination
In an unprecedented incident in Solapur's political history, a woman farmer candidate from the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party filed her nomination papers under heavy police security on Monday after allegedly facing multiple threats and obstruction from political rivals.
Ujwala Thite, who is contesting for the presidency of Angar Nagar Panchayat, finally managed to submit her nomination documents after what she described as eight days of systematic intimidation and physical obstruction by a BJP leader and his associates.
Early Morning Nomination Amid Tight Security
The dramatic nomination process began at 5:30 AM when Thite reached the election office in Angar village. Recognizing the potential threat to her safety, she immediately contacted local police authorities and requested protection, citing specific threats to her life.
Solapur police responded swiftly by deploying a large contingent of armed personnel, including forces from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). The security blanket ensured that Thite could complete the nomination process without incident after 10 AM.
"I finally filed my nomination papers for presidency of the Angar Nagar Panchayat," Thite confirmed to media representatives shortly after completing the formalities. She was accompanied by her son during the entire process.
Pattern of Intimidation and Obstruction
Thite revealed that this was her fourth attempt to file nomination papers after being prevented three times in the previous eight days. She alleged that her rivals, primarily a BJP leader who had recently joined the party, employed various tactics to block her path.
"They had stationed goons on the road to block my way. They blocked my way with tractors and other vehicles. They chased me with sharp weapons, threatened and abused me," the woman farmer candidate stated during a media interaction in Solapur.
In a bold move, Thite also released a video recording alleging that a BJP leader and former minister had threatened her life. The situation became so severe that she claimed she hasn't been allowed to enter her own village for several days.
Official Response and Historical Context
Solapur District Collector Kumar Ashirwad confirmed that police protection was provided based on Thite's formal complaint about threats from political opponents. "The woman has filed her nominations successfully... We gave her police protection since she had complained about a threat," Ashirwad stated.
The Collector further assured that Thite would receive continued police security when she needs to approach the polling office for the scrutiny of her nomination papers.
NCP Solapur district president Umesh Patil provided crucial context to the incident, alleging that a particular BJP leader was attempting to ensure that the Angar Nagar Panchayat election proceeds unopposed. "Before the Angar Nagar Panchayat became a Nagar Panchayat, it was a gram panchayat. For more than 60 years, the election to this panchayat was held unopposed," Patil revealed.
He added, "The truth is now out. This is how they got the elections unopposed, by threatening the candidates with dire consequences. In this case, sadly, a woman farmer who has little family support was being threatened openly and brazenly."
Political Fallout and Future Implications
Patil clarified that the entire BJP organization might not be involved in the intimidation tactics, pointing instead to "one particular leader who wants to get his family member elected unopposed as president of the Nagar Panchayat."
Expressing hope for intervention from higher authorities, Patil stated, "The Chief Minister must have been hugely embarrassed after learning about the behaviour of his party leader. We are hoping the CM will take some action in this regard."
The incident has raised serious questions about democratic processes in local body elections, particularly regarding the safety of women candidates in rural political landscapes. Thite's case represents what local observers are calling a historic moment in Solapur's electoral history, being the first such incident requiring massive police protection for nomination filing.
Looking ahead, Thite expressed concerns about her campaign prospects, stating, "I don't know how I will campaign. I will have to do online campaigning," highlighting the ongoing challenges she faces in what should be a routine democratic process.
