Fresh off their drubbing in Maharashtra’s civic elections, Congress has gone on the warpath, fingering Mahayuti for a sophisticated fake voting operation that allegedly delivered them control of lucrative municipal corporations. Backed by affidavits and CCTV footage, the party paints a picture of nocturnal ballot stuffing and coerced voting marathons.
At a packed rally in Pune, leaders unveiled charts showing inflated turnouts in BJP bastions like Pimpri-Chinchwad, where officials reportedly turned a blind eye to double voting. ‘Democracy was hijacked last night,’ proclaimed Congress general secretary Ramesh Chennithala, rallying cadres for a ‘poll purity’ movement.
Mahayuti’s haul includes dominant positions in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and beyond, fortifying their urban machinery. Congress, securing mere crumbs, attributes the lopsided outcome to machinations rather than mandate. They’ve demanded CEO intervention and independent observers for future counts.
Responding sharply, alliance architects like Devendra Fadnavis hailed the results as endorsement of their infra push, from smart cities to water projects. ‘Congress can’t stomach clean wins,’ they scoffed, hinting at counter-complaints over opposition disruptions.
The imbroglio spotlights vulnerabilities in local polls, often overshadowed by national spectacles. With billions in municipal funds in play, stakes couldn’t be higher. Analysts predict prolonged litigation, potentially delaying mayor elections and civic works.
Grassroots workers from both sides brace for confrontations, while neutral observers urge de-escalation. This flashpoint could redefine Maharashtra’s power equations, testing the resilience of institutions amid partisan fury. As evidence mounts in courts, the truth behind the votes will decide winners and losers anew.