Mumbai: Vote counting for municipal council and nagar panchayat elections across Maharashtra commenced at 10 am on Sunday, following Saturday’s polling that was overshadowed by multiple reports of violence, suspected fraudulent voting, and money distribution. The elections are viewed as an important indicator ahead of larger municipal corporation polls set for next month.
Voting for president and member positions in 23 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, plus 143 vacant member seats, concluded at 5.30 pm on Saturday. Notable civic bodies that held elections include Baramati in Pune district, regarded as a politically significant stronghold, and Ambernath in Thane district.
Saturday’s electoral process witnessed numerous disturbances and alleged violations throughout the state. In Ambernath, clashes erupted between two groups, forcing police to conduct a lathi-charge to restore order. A Hindustan Times report stated that authorities detained 208 women who had reportedly come from neighboring Bhiwandi as part of security measures.
Opposition groups claimed these women were transported to engage in voter impersonation and fraudulent voting. The women, however, rejected these allegations, stating they had arrived to participate in a public gathering. Police have indicated the incident remains under investigation.
Individual caught with ₹35,000 cash; case registered
In a separate case involving suspected voter inducement, authorities discovered an individual carrying Rs 35,000 in cash, prompting the filing of a first information report. Additional reports of confrontations between Shiv Sena and Congress workers surfaced from various polling locations, underscoring the tense environment during the voting period.
Significant electoral irregularities were reported from Dharambad in Nanded district. According to claims, multiple women were allegedly locked in a hall and paid money to refrain from voting. Both Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party blamed Shiv Sena for the incident.
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Nanded district collector Rahul Kardile verified that the administration had received advance intelligence about cash distribution activities. “We had information that money was being distributed in a hall, but the people dispersed before our team reached the spot. An FIR has been registered against the hall management for violating prohibitory orders,” he stated, as quoted by HT.
Sunday’s counting results are anticipated to establish the political climate for Maharashtra’s next major electoral battle. The State Election Commission has announced that Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and 28 additional municipal corporations will hold elections on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16. A total of 2,869 seats are up for contest, with approximately 3.48 crore eligible voters.
The forthcoming municipal corporation elections, especially the crucial BMC polls, are expected to witness intense competition amid accusations of vote chori and sharp internal conflicts between BJP and Shiv Sena.