MVA Criticises ECI for Delayed Poll Schedule in Maharashtra, Accuses BJP-led Mahayuti of Political Manipulation

The Opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) for not scheduling Maharashtra's elections alongside those of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. Accusing the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition of delaying elections for political gain, opposition leaders called the move a strategy to mislead voters with false promises.

The Opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has voiced strong criticism against the Election Commission of India (ECI) for failing to announce the election schedule for Maharashtra along with Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. The MVA claims that the delay benefits the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, allowing them to prepare more deceptive promises aimed at voters.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray derided the ECI for not including Maharashtra in the simultaneous elections, citing security concerns as unfounded. He questioned changes under BJP's leadership in J&K, where terror incidents have increased, and mocked ECI's excuse of monsoons as inconsistent since they affect other states too.

NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto echoed this sentiment, arguing the Mahayuti coalition is manipulating the timing to announce populist schemes and freebies. He cited an example where a stipend for women would be withdrawn if the ruling bloc lost votes, underlining the manipulative electoral tactics. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora criticized the MVA for undermining the democratic process rather than supporting it.