‘Life-threatening attack’: Nagpur BJP candidate Bhushan Shingne assaulted hours before civic polls; case registered

According to the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shingne, the candidate from Ward No. 11 of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, went to Gorewada to meet a party worker after receiving information that some anti-social elements were attempting to vitiate the atmosphere, and allegedly distributing money.

Nagpur BJP chief Dayashankar Tiwari claimed that more than 100 people attacked Shingne and other BJP supporters when they reached the worker’s house, and that a large crowd had already gathered outside.

Speaking to reporters, Tiwari said, “Such incidents would reduce politics to the rule of goons if not checked. Using violence, hooliganism and intimidation to suppress ordinary candidates and win elections by unfair means is wrong and an attack on democracy”.

Shingne was later admitted to Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital by party workers. A few other BJP workers also sustained injuries in the scuffle.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said he was on his way to meet Shingne and that the incident is a matter of serious concern.

“The incident that occurred is extremely unfortunate and condemnable. Differences of opinion can exist, but Nagpur has always followed a tradition of peaceful elections. During elections, we maintain decorum, and after elections, our relationships improve. Such incidents should be avoided. The police must take strict action,” Gadkari said.

After casting his vote in Nagpur, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Shingne was attacked “by the people from the Congress,” and has sustained serious injuries. “When they cannot win an election, resorting to such acts is like smearing black ink on democracy. People will give a fitting reply to them.”