Maharashtra Congress Accuses BJP of Election Horse-Trading

Maharashtra Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal accused the BJP-led Mahayuti of engaging in horse-trading before the legislative council elections. Meanwhile, seat-sharing talks within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are advancing smoothly, with plans to contest 17 seats, including a bypoll. Local elections are set for June 18.

Harshwardhan Sapkal, head of the Maharashtra Congress, has leveled accusations against the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition for engaging in 'horse-trading' activities ahead of legislative council elections. He emphasized that seat-sharing discussions within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance are progressing without any hindrances.

Speaking at a press briefing after a joint meeting, Sapkal stated that the MVA is united in its mission to elect 17 members of the legislative council, including the filling of a by-election vacancy, dismissing any reports of discord. He accused the BJP and its allies, including the NCP and Shiv Sena, of manipulating election outcomes by fixing rates and coercing independents and opposition leaders with financial incentives.

Sapkal further noted reports that BJP leaders were exerting pressure on corporators from Chandrapur and other regions ahead of the elections scheduled for June 18. The election process will include 16 seats from local self-government bodies and a bypoll from Nagpur. He assured that strategic tactics would be employed to contest all available seats.

The congress leader criticized the state government, particularly after a protest supporting onion farmers led to a response from ministers. Elections are slated for various constituencies including Solapur, Ahmednagar, and Thane, with the nomination deadline set for June 1.