NewKerala.com

Shinde Slams Satara Poll Disruption as "Murder of Democracy"

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has strongly condemned the alleged disruption during the Satara Zilla Parishad President's election, calling it a grave assault on democratic values. He raised the issue in the Assembly, alleging that voters were detained under suspicious circumstances to influence the electoral outcome. Shinde stated he immediately instructed local police to ensure no voter was prevented from casting their ballot. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the House that a detailed inquiry would be conducted and strict action taken against the guilty.

Key Points: Maharashtra Dy CM Condemns Voter Deprivation in Satara

  • Shinde condemns Satara ZP poll disruption
  • Alleges voters detained to influence outcome
  • CM Fadnavis orders detailed inquiry
  • Incident termed unprecedented in Maharashtra
2 min read

"Depriving voters of their right to vote is the murder of democracy": Dy CM Eknath Shinde

Eknath Shinde calls Zilla Parishad election chaos a grave assault on democracy. CM Fadnavis orders inquiry. Latest updates from Maharashtra.

"Depriving voters of their right to vote is the murder of democracy - Eknath Shinde"

Mumbai, March 23

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday strongly condemned the alleged disruption during the election for the President of the Satara Zilla Parishad, terming it a 'grave assault on democratic values.'

According to an official statement, Shinde raised the issue during the ongoing budget session of the state legislature, expressing anger over the reported chaos and questioning the fairness of the electoral process.

"Depriving voters of their right to vote is the murder of democracy," Shinde said, calling the incident "extremely serious" and unprecedented in Maharashtra's history.

As per the statement, Shinde informed the Assembly that he had received calls from Shambhuraj Desai and Makrand Patil prior to the election, who alleged that cases had suddenly been registered against two voters. He said this raised suspicion of attempts to influence the election outcome.

Shinde further stated that he immediately contacted Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Joshi and instructed that no voter should be prevented from casting their vote until the process was completed. However, reports of two voters being detained triggered serious concerns over the integrity of the election.

Condemning the developments, Shinde asserted that preventing voters from exercising their franchise is an attack on the fundamental principles of democracy and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the Assembly that a detailed inquiry will be conducted into the matter. He said strict action would be taken against those found guilty following the investigation.

Earlier on Thursday, Shinde participated in the Gudi Padwa celebration in Thane, Maharashtra. Addressing the media, he extended his wishes to everyone on the occassion.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "I extend Gudi Padwa, Hindu New Year greetings to all...May this new year be one of happiness, prosperity, joy, and scaling new heights, may it be a journey from resolve to fulfilment..." Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also joined thousands of residents in Nagpur for the grand 'Gudi Padwa Shobha Yatra' on Thursady organised to mark the occasion. Addressing the gathering, he extended greetings to citizens across the country.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
It's good that the Dy CM raised this issue in the Assembly. But I hope this isn't just political drama before bigger elections. We need genuine accountability, not just statements. The SP should explain why voters were detained.
R
Rahul R
This is shameful. Registering cases against voters just before an election? This is the oldest trick in the book to intimidate people. The inquiry must be transparent and its findings made public.
A
Ashley H
Reading this from abroad. It's concerning to see such reports about electoral integrity in a large democracy like India. Hope the investigation is thorough and impartial.
V
Vikram M
On one hand we celebrate Gudi Padwa for new beginnings, and on the other such things happen. The timing is ironic. The right to vote is sacred. Jai Hind.
K
Kriti O
Local body elections are where corruption starts. If this is not stopped at the Zilla Parishad level, it will become a norm for MLA and MP elections too. Full support to Shinde ji for taking a stand.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50