Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai alleges major irregularities in Rahata Municipal Council Polls

Desai said that November 17 was the last date for all candidates to file nominations and they had submitted their forms before the 3 pm deadline. On November 18, officials conduct a scrutiny of the forms according to rules mentioned in the original circular. However, later the same afternoon, the State Election Commission issued a new circular increasing the number of proposers required for dummy candidates from one to five. Desai said this new rule was applied to forms that had already passed scrutiny earlier in the day, causing some forms to be rejected. He called this “an attack on democracy”.

Desai claimed that four nomination forms were fraudulently submitted in the name of the Shiv Sena (UBT) without the party’s approval. He said he informed the presiding officer, tehsildar, district collector and other officials in writing, asking them to cancel these forms, but officials still declared them valid. “This is clear fraud,” Desai said.

He added that the police refused to accept a complaint when he went to the police station. “Officials are not responding to calls or emails. What kind of pressure are they working under?” He said.

Desai demanded that scrutiny should follow the rules that were in place until November 17, that the fake nomination forms be cancelled, and action taken against officials who failed to act. He also asked the State Election Commission to ensure transparency in the election process.

“If elections are to be rigged like this, then why hold them at all?” Desai said.