Election Turmoil: Midnight Bank Drama in Malegaon Sugar Mill Contest

The Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Mill election in Pune has sparked a controversy after a bank linked to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was found open until midnight. Allegations of malpractice have surfaced, with demands for a probe and accusations of voter list tampering. Results are anticipated on June 24.

In a dramatic turn of events, the election for the Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Mill has been marred by allegations of malpractice. Accusations fly as a bank controlled by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar remains open till midnight, raising eyebrows and suspicions.

This high-stakes contest, featuring Ajit Pawar and his uncle, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, has triggered complaints from rival panels. Notably, Ranjan Tawre's Sahakar Bachav panel has filed a formal complaint, while Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter and NCP (SP) MP, demands a special investigation team to probe the incident.

Claims of voter list tampering and potential vote-buying have added fuel to the fire, with Ajit Pawar's Nilkantheshwar panel at the center of controversy. The allegations prompted an official response, with election officer Yashwant Mane confirming receipt of the complaint and forwarding it for further investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)