📷 Image Credits: Mint
The political landscape in Maharashtra witnessed a surge of tension as Shiv Sena factions engage in a heated dispute over the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency. The center of the controversy revolves around the allegations of EVM tampering, leading to a clash between rival factions of the party. The tension further intensified as Aaditya Thackeray declared victory for the Uddhav Thackeray faction, prompting a court battle for validation.
The dispute unfolded with a tight contest in the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency between Ravindra Waikar of Eknath Sinde’s Shiv Sena and Amol Kirtikar of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), resulting in a narrow victory with a margin of only 48 votes. Amidst the allegations of EVM tampering after the Lok Sabha Elections, Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar accused Thackeray of causing confusion within the party and questioned their readiness to face the public in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
The situation escalated as Shinde Sena leader, Deepak Kesarkar, criticized Aaditya Thackeray, labeling him as ‘still very young’ and accusing him of perpetuating confusion within the party. The conflict further gained momentum as a media report surfaced, suggesting the irregular use of a mobile phone connected to an EVM by a relative of a Shiv Sena candidate during the vote counting process.
The political tendrils extended beyond Shiv Sena, with NCP MLA Rohit Pawar claiming potential defection of 18-19 NCP leaders back to Sharad Pawar faction after the monsoon session. However, Kesarkar refuted Pawar’s claim, asserting unwavering support for Ajit Pawar. The dispute also attracted attention from national figures, with billionaire Elon Musk underscoring the vulnerabilities of EVMs and calling for their elimination.
The friction within Shiv Sena showcased a deeper conflict between the Uddhav Thackeray faction and Eknath Shinde faction, exposing the underlying power struggle within the party. The allegations of EVM tampering continue to reverberate, raising concerns about electoral transparency and accountability. As the controversy unfolds, the political landscape in Maharashtra remains fraught with tensions and uncertainties, reflecting a deeper rift within the Shiv Sena party.
