Partisan Politics Roil Thane Elections: Allegations of Bias in Nomination Scrutiny

Opposition parties in Thane have accused election officials of bias during the nomination scrutiny for the upcoming municipal corporation elections, after several candidacies were rejected. Allegations focus on favoritism towards the ruling Shiv Sena party, leading to a planned hunger strike and calls for criminal charges against officials.

As Thane gears up for its municipal corporation elections, opposition parties have alleged bias in the nomination paper scrutiny process. Accusations flew after several candidates' papers were rejected, prompting claims of favoritism towards the ruling Shiv Sena.

Leading the charge, Rajan Vichare from Shiv Sena (UBT), Avinash Jadhav from MNS, and Jitendra Awhad from NCP demanded criminal charges against a returning officer, accusing election officials of being partisan. MNS leaders announced a hunger strike starting Thursday in protest of the rejections in specific wards.

Amid these tensions, Navi Mumbai and Bhiwandi also saw a significant number of disqualifications due to nomination paper issues. With elections approaching on January 15, concerns over fairness and transparency in the nomination process continue to mount.

(With inputs from agencies.)