Former CM, Sule, AAP seek thorough probe into ‘unopposed elections’, asks SEC to intervene immediately

Lok Sabha MP from Baramati Supriya Sule, who is also NCP (SP)’s working president, said, ”All this is a threat to a strong democracy…Such large number of candidates getting elected unopposed is unimaginable, whichever party they maybe from… The State Election Commission should immediately Intervene and launch a thorough investigation. Merely asking municipal commissioners to send a report won’t bring out the facts. A thorough probe is needed to restore public faith in the election process.”

AAP spokesperson Mukund Kirdat, who had first raised objections to the unopposed election of BJP candidate Ravi Landge from Bhosari ward of PCMC, said, ”Our objection has been proven right. Now it is come to light that 68 candidates have been elected by so-called system of unopposed election. When such a huge number of candidates are in fray and when there was so much enthusiasm among them to contest the elections, it is impossible to believe that they have withdrawn from the polls on their own. We strongly believe either they have been either threatened to withdraw or offered a huge sum of money. Since the Election Commission has been harping on free and fair elections, now the ball is in the EC’s court to prove that the polls are indeed free and fair.”

The AAP said till a thorough probe is conducted, the so-called results of the unopposed elections should not be declared. ”All those candidates who withdrew from the race should be called and investigated. Their phone records should be checked and their bank accounts should also be checked to find out the truth,” said Kirdat, adding that SEC should immediately hold a press conference in this connection and clear the doubts.

Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference at Tilak Bhavan in Mumbai, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshavardhan Sapkal said, “In the cabinet of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, there were six non-Congress ministers—this is our culture and tradition. However, the BJP and the Mahayuti have developed a mindset that does not want any Opposition at all, and to ensure unopposed victories, those in power are going to any extent. Preventing opposition candidates from filing nominations, issuing threats, using pressure tactics, and shamelessly playing this game with the help of the police and the administration is underway—while the Election Commission has become a mute spectator,” Sapkal said.

Taking potshots at Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, the MPCC chief alleged, ”Those holding constitutional posts are expected to keep aside political bias. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Governors, Speakers of Legislative Assemblies and Chairpersons of Councils are constitutional positions and are referred to with respect. However, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar has undermined the dignity of his office. In his first tenure as Speaker, Narvekar dismantled the anti-defection law and stabbed democracy and the Constitution in the chest; that is why he was given a second chance. Now, in municipal elections, this gentleman has stooped to an extremely low level for the sake of his relatives. He has obstructed Opposition candidates from filing nominations, threatened them, and misused his position. Strict action against him is necessary. The Hon’ble President should take serious note of this and remove Narvekar from office,.”

The Congress had written to demand an inquiry and action against Narvekar in connection with threats issued to the Opposition candidates, but the Election Commission sought evidence, said Sapkal.

”CCTV footage from the spot exists; action should be taken by recording complaints of those who were obstructed and threatened. Although an inquiry report has now come, it merely indulges in wordplay. In municipal elections, the three parties in power are standing against each other and criticising one another If the matter is truly so serious, then Ajit Pawar should step out of power, or the BJP should show Ajit Pawar the door,” the Congress state president added.