Controversy Surrounds Alleged Campaigning by Maharashtra CM's Secretary

A Congress leader accuses Vidyadhar Mahale, secretary to the Maharashtra CM and husband of BJP MLA Shweta Mahale, of campaigning for the BJP. The accusation is dismissed by Shweta Mahale as politically motivated. The issue surrounds alleged campaigning ahead of municipal council elections, violating the Model Code of Conduct.

Controversy has arisen in Maharashtra as Congress leader Rahul Bondre accused Vidyadhar Mahale, the personal secretary to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, of violating the Model Code of Conduct by campaigning for the BJP. Mahale, who is married to BJP MLA Shweta Mahale, allegedly participated in political activities before local elections were declared.

Shweta Mahale defended her husband, stating that the event in question took place during a Diwali Milan gathering, before the Model Code was enforced. She called the allegations baseless and politically motivated. Bondre, a former MLA, insists the alleged actions occurred in advance of the council elections scheduled for December 2.

The debate highlights tensions as senior BJP figures like Amit Shah and Devendra Fadnavis campaigned in the Chikhali constituency, yet Shweta claimed her husband did not participate in campaigning activities. This claim is positioned against Bondre's history of losing to Shweta in past elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)