Pune:In a surprising turn of events during the ongoing campaign for the November 20 state assembly elections, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar publicly addressed the recent bag checks conducted by election officials. On Wednesday, while boarding a helicopter for his campaign trail, Pawar shared a video on his social media platform, X, illustrating the inspection of his bags by poll personnel. He emphasized the importance of such measures in ensuring free and fair elections, urging everyone to respect the law and support the integrity of the nation’s democracy. Earlier that day, the Maharashtra BJP shared a similar video featuring Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, showcasing the inspection of his bags at Kolhapur airport on November 5.
The BJP's post suggested that merely holding the Constitution for appearances is inadequate, calling for adherence to constitutional values and practices. “Let it be, some leaders just have a habit of creating drama,” the post stated, referencing the recent grievances voiced by Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT). Thackeray had claimed that his bags were inspected by election authorities during his recent visits to Latur and Yavatmal districts to campaign, expressing concerns about selective targeting by poll officials. He questioned whether similar scrutiny would apply to high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during their election campaigns.
In response to the allegations of bias, Fadnavis criticized Thackeray's protests as an attempt to divert attention from the electoral process. He remarked, “What is wrong with checking of bags?” and suggested that Thackeray's frustrations were palpable as he navigated the scrutiny of election officials. Pawar’s video, which displayed the official checking his bags and discovering traditional snacks like ‘chaklis’ and ‘ladoos,’ reinforced his stance on compliance with election protocols. “I fully cooperated and believe that such measures are essential to ensure free and fair elections,” he stated in his post, rallying support for upholding democratic integrity. As the election campaign heats up, the back-and-forth between political leaders reflects the heightened tensions and scrutiny that accompany the electoral process in Maharashtra. With accusations of bias and calls for accountability taking center stage, the coming weeks will undoubtedly see further developments as candidates navigate the complexities of the electoral landscape.