A dramatic confrontation erupted in Kalyan-Dombivli on Sunday during high-stakes municipal election campaigning, with allegations of cash distribution to influence voters leading to a tense standoff between workers of alliance partners, the BJP and the Shiv Sena, and necessitating police intervention.
Allegations of Cash Distribution Spark Protest
The incident unfolded in Panel No. 29 of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), an area witnessing a rare "friendly fight" between the ruling Mahayuti allies. Shiv Sena candidates Nitin Patil and his brother Ravindra Patil raised an alarm, alleging that BJP workers were actively distributing cash to voters in the Tukaram Nagar locality.
Shiv Sena workers claimed they caught three BJP workers red-handed inside a residential building. They alleged the individuals were carrying packets of cash along with voter slips. In response, the Sena workers staged a sit-in protest on the spot, demanding that the police immediately conduct a formal panchnama (spot inspection report) and arrest the accused.
Heated Arguments and Claims of a "Political Conspiracy"
As news of the incident spread rapidly, a large contingent of BJP workers, led by the party's district president Nandu Parab, rushed to the location. The scene quickly escalated as workers from both sides came face-to-face, leading to heated arguments and a palpable risk of violence.
BJP leaders firmly denied the allegations of cash distribution. Nandu Parab countered by accusing Shiv Sena workers of orchestrating a setup. He claimed that the cash was deliberately planted in the bags of the BJP workers and termed the entire episode a "political conspiracy" aimed at maligning his party.
Police Intervention and Ongoing Investigation
Sensing the situation was on the verge of spiraling out of control, the police intervened swiftly. Their primary action was to detain the three BJP workers at the center of the allegations for questioning.
Police officials stated that a thorough investigation has been initiated to verify the competing claims from both political camps. Further action will be determined after examining the seized material and recording detailed statements from all involved parties. This incident has cast a shadow over the campaigning in the key panel, highlighting the intense competition despite the alliance at the larger level.
