Maharashtra Civic Polls: Allegations of Malpractice and Low Turnout Mar Elections

As Maharashtra's civic elections unfold, NCP MLA Rohit Pawar raises allegations of foul play, claiming voter suppression tactics favor BJP, citing booth placements and EVM discrepancies. Early reports show low voter turnout and gender disparity. Political alliances and rivalries add intensity to the elections in key regions like Mumbai and Pune.

As polling for 29 civic bodies in Maharashtra begins, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Rohit Pawar has made serious allegations regarding the conduct of the local body elections. Speaking to ANI, Pawar accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of benefiting from the strategic placement of polling booths at considerable distances, which he claims discourages voting.

Pawar highlighted irregularities in Mumbai, pointing out that Maharashtra Forests Minister Ganesh Naik's name is absent from the voter list at the appropriate booth, with his family members' names scattered elsewhere. He alleged that these measures appear to intentionally prevent votes against the BJP. Furthermore, he criticized discrepancies in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), noting issues with time settings and candidate sequences.

Accusations of bribery surfaced as Pawar claimed that BJP volunteers distributed cash to voters. The civic polls, crucial for cities like Mumbai and Pune, are witnessing low voter turnout and a notable gender gap, with more men voting than women, according to State Election Commission data. The political landscape is charged, with the BJP and Shiv Sena competing under the Mahayuti banner while the NCP runs independently except in Pune.

(With inputs from agencies.)