Vote Theft Allegations Rock Thane's Civic Elections

Former Thane corporator, Sudhir Ramchandra Bhagat, has accused officials of 'vote theft' after discovering his name was deleted from electoral rolls, preventing him from participating in upcoming elections. Despite acknowledging the error, authorities did not reinstate him for the elections. Bhagat alleges procedural lapses and potential corruption in the voter list management.

Controversy has hit the Thane civic elections as former three-time corporator Sudhir Ramchandra Bhagat claims 'vote theft' following the removal of his name from the electoral rolls. This alleged administrative oversight has barred him from participating in the forthcoming local elections.

In response to Bhagat's complaint, the Thane district collector admitted the omission was made 'inadvertently.' However, Bhagat insists that the deletion was intentional, aimed at sidelining a strong candidate. Expressing his concerns, Bhagat also noted the inclusion of false names, questioning the integrity of the voter list.

Although the collector agreed to correct the error, the July 1 cut-off date means Bhagat remains unable to vote or contest in the elections. He levied accusations against the Election Commission of procedural errors and potential corruption, calling for a probe into why genuine voters are being excluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)