Cash-for-Votes Scandal Rocks Mumbai Ahead of Civic Elections
Mumbai finds itself embroiled in a major cash-for-votes scandal just before its crucial civic polls. Social media videos and angry public complaints have forced the Election Commission to address widespread allegations of money distribution to voters.
Election Commission Responds to Growing Concerns
State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare confirmed receiving complaints about money distribution during Wednesday's meeting with political party representatives. "We have flying squads and surveillance teams in place," Waghmare stated. "We have assured the parties of immediate action if there is any such incident." The IG (law & order) attended this important meeting.
Widespread Allegations Across Mumbai Region
Citizens from multiple areas reported disturbing incidents:
- Dharavi, Kalina, Sion, Chembur and Borivli in Mumbai
- Navi Mumbai, Thane, Vasai-Virar and Kalyan-Dombivli in surrounding regions
Videos circulating online showed political workers quarreling while openly violating election laws. Social media posts revealed silver bowls, saris, and bundles of banknotes changing hands.
Major Parties Face Serious Accusations
Most bribery allegations targeted BJP, followed by its alliance partner, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. However, BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam firmly denied these claims. "None of the BJP candidates or workers are indulging in this," Satam asserted.
The Opposition voiced strong criticism about unprecedented money distribution during the campaign. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expressed concern about election rule violations. "Saris are being distributed, money is being distributed door-to-door," Raut alleged. "Illegally obtained money is being distributed in Maharashtra."
Specific Incidents and Denials
Multiple specific allegations emerged from different constituencies:
In Pratiksha Nagar, Sion, voters accused BJP candidate Shilpa Keluskar of cash payouts after a CCTV clip surfaced linking her husband to the incident. Keluskar responded, "I do not wish to say anything on this issue. Such allegations will keep coming."
Chembur witnessed Shiv Sena (UBT) alleging that the Shinde faction was buying votes. An activist claimed their candidate knocked on doors past midnight in Anand Nagar, with workers handing over papers they called voter slips.
Kalina Congress candidate Tulip Miranda presented photo and video evidence allegedly showing BJP nominee Jyoti Anil Upadhyay distributing Rs 500 to voters. Upadhyay countered by accusing Miranda of "maligning her by making wild allegations."
Police Investigations and Conflicting Reports
Borivli East became a political flashpoint after MNS supporters accused BJP candidate Seema Shinde of distributing cash at an event. Police and election officials inspected but found no cash. BJP called it an MNS "stunt to please their leadership."
In Navi Mumbai, MNS activists reportedly caught BJP men in Khandeshwar distributing money for the Panvel poll with marked voters' lists. Khandeshwar police station's Sachin Pardeshi confirmed, "An FIR has been registered under BNS Section 173 for bribery."
Thane's Vartak Nagar police detained two persons allegedly caught distributing cash under EVM demo machine guise, though police later clarified no cash was actually seized.
Voter Disappointment and Increased Payments
The scandal created unexpected problems for political parties. An Airoli resident named Kajal visited a party office demanding to know why her family hadn't received payment like her neighbors. "My neighbour said she got Rs 5,000 for five votes," she explained. "I too have five members. So why didn't they give me the same?"
In Wagle Estate, Thane, domestic help Poornima revealed people in her area were promised Rs 1,000 per vote, double the previous election's amount.
Violent Confrontation in Kalyan-Dombivli
A viral video showed a bloody fight during Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections. BJP candidate Arya Natekar's husband Omnath Natekar suffered injuries during a bribery argument with Shiv Sena's Nitin and Ravi Patil that turned violent on Monday night. Police arrested the Patil brothers following the incident.
Election Commission Takes Action
The EC's flying squad demonstrated its vigilance by seizing Rs 10 lakh in cash from two two-wheelers around 2am Tuesday in Nalasopara east. This action followed numerous complaints about money distribution affecting voter confidence.
Voting apathy already troubled Mumbai due to political disillusionment. Wednesday's multiple complaints further weakened public faith in free and fair civic elections as the scandal continues unfolding.
