BJP Candidate Triumphs in Mumbai Ward After Contentious Recount
In a dramatic turn of events, BJP's Prakash Darekar has emerged victorious in Ward 3 of Dahisar East, Mumbai. The election result came after a tense recount process initiated by objections from his opponent.
Recount Confirms Victory with Increased Margin
Prakash Darekar initially won the ward election, but Sena (UBT) candidate Roshni Kore Gaikwad raised multiple objections. This led election officials to conduct a thorough recount of all votes.
The recount not only confirmed Darekar's victory but actually increased his winning margin to 3,985 votes. Darekar revealed he gained approximately 2,000 additional votes during the recount process.
Speaking about the situation, Darekar emphasized sportsmanship in elections. "Candidates should accept losses gracefully," he stated, reflecting on the competitive nature of local politics.
Allegations of Irregularities Surface
Roshni Kore Gaikwad presented several concerns about the counting process. She claimed that when she arrived for the vote counting, the postal ballot had already been opened.
"Officials offered to show me CCTV footage of the ballot opening," Gaikwad explained. "But the cameras failed to capture the actual moment of opening."
The Sena (UBT) candidate raised additional questions about vote totals. She alleged that while over 26,000 votes were cast in the ward, only 19,000 votes were initially counted.
"One EVM was not opened at all during the first count," Gaikwad asserted. This discrepancy prompted election authorities to undertake the comprehensive recount that considered all votes.
Campaign Controversies Add to Tension
The election in Ward 3 was marked by controversy even before polling day. Multiple charges emerged about freebies and cash distribution in the ward the day before voting.
These allegations added to the already heated atmosphere surrounding the election. The combination of pre-poll controversies and post-poll objections created a particularly contentious electoral environment.
The recount process ultimately validated Darekar's victory, but the objections raised by Gaikwad highlight ongoing concerns about election transparency in Mumbai's local politics. Both candidates now look toward future political engagements as the city continues its democratic processes.
