The afterglow of Mahayuti’s municipal election sweep has been shattered by Congress’s explosive claims of rampant fake voting, threatening to unravel the alliance’s hard-fought victories. In a calculated offensive, opposition heavyweights have compiled dossiers alleging systematic fraud that skewed results in their favor across Maharashtra’s urban landscape.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Congress MP Pradip Majhi lambasted the process, citing booth-wise data where votes exceeded registered voters. ‘Mahayuti didn’t win hearts; they stuffed ballots,’ he asserted, promising forensic audits of EVMs and VVPAT slips. Reports from Thane and Ulhasnagar detail polling stations overrun by unidentified crowds hours after official closing.
These polls, controlling vast civic budgets, were billed as a popularity contest for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s government. Mahayuti’s clean sweep bolstered their image, but Congress insists the numbers don’t add up—pointing to a 20% discrepancy in key wards. They’ve roped in allies like NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) for a united front against the ‘electoral heist.’
Mahayuti camp fired back, labeling the accusations as post-poll drama from a demoralized Congress. ‘Our victory is a mandate for progress; theirs is envy,’ stated a BJP spokesperson. Yet, the party has urged the EC to expedite verification to quell doubts.
This saga revives memories of past poll controversies in the state, fueling debates on electoral reforms like mandatory VVPAT counting. Civil society groups are weighing in, calling for transparency to safeguard local democracy. As court dates approach, the political chessboard shifts, with potential ripple effects on national dynamics.
For now, celebrations in alliance offices are muted, replaced by legal preparations. Congress’s gambit could either expose wrongdoing or backfire as baseless mudslinging. In the high-stakes world of Indian politics, where local wins fuel larger ambitions, this battle over ballots is far from over.