Mumbai: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut has raised concerns over the trends emerging from Maharashtra’s assembly elections, accusing the ruling BJP-led alliance of manipulating results and “stealing” seats from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.
Raut criticized the trends, claiming they do not reflect the true will of the people. “They have done some ‘gadbad’ (mischief), they have stolen some of our seats. This cannot be the public’s decision. Even the public does not agree with these results,” Raut stated in Mumbai.
Expressing disbelief at the figures, he questioned how the BJP, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena could achieve such high numbers. “Is it possible that Shinde will get 60 seats, Ajit Pawar will get 40 seats, and BJP will get 125 seats? The people of this state are not dishonest. We have their faith,” he added.
Senior Congress leader Udit Raj also echoed these concerns, attributing the outcome to the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). “As long as there are EVMs, elections cannot be fair,” he remarked, referring to the trends as a victory for the EVM system rather than the people.
Election Trends as of 11 AM:
• BJP-led Mahayuti Alliance: Leading in 220 seats
• BJP: 128 seats
• Shiv Sena (Shinde faction): 55 seats
• NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): 35 seats
• RYSWP: 1 seat
• MVA Alliance: Trailing with 52 seats
• Congress: 20 seats
• NCP (Sharad Pawar faction): 13 seats
• Shiv Sena (UBT faction): 17 seats
• Samajwadi Party: 2 seats
The trends suggest a landslide for the Mahayuti alliance, while the MVA struggles to maintain its footing. Raut indicated that once the results are finalized, the opposition will address their grievances more comprehensively.
This election result could significantly impact Maharashtra’s political landscape, with allegations of unfair practices likely to intensify debates around the use of EVMs and the integrity of the electoral process.