‘Campaigning for BJP candidates’: Congress demands action against CM’s private secretary

In a complaint submitted to the SEC, former Congress MLA Rahul Bondre and party’s candidate for the president post of Chikhli municipal council Kashinath Bondre alleged that Mahale ‘has been openly campaigning for the BJP candidates in Chikhli municipal council.’ “Prior to this, he campaigned in the 2024 assembly polls for his wife in Chikhli assembly constituency and even now, he is doing the same and appealing to people to elect BJP candidates. Despite all the evidence available on social media, he has faced no action from the election commission. Since he is the private secretary of Hon. Chief Minister, it seems that the election commission is under pressure to not take action,” said the complaint filed by both the Congress leaders.

The Congress demanded that the State Election Commission issue orders to station Mahale at the state headquarters until the elections are over to ensure elections are held in a free and fair manner. “It is requested that disciplinary action be initiated against him,” it demanded.

When contacted, Mahale said the Deepavali Milan programme under question was organised by Ambika Urban Credit society and he was invited to speak on the government schemes. “The programme was organised on November 1 and the Model Code of Conduct was implemented on November 8. I did not campaign for any party but speak only about the government schemes. A complaint has been made with the State Election Commission and it will be probed,” said Mahale.