Nagpur: Congress MLA from Sakoli Nana Patole on Thursday alleged that the BJP used law enforcement agencies to force the Congress to withdraw its first pick, Praful Agrawal, in the Bhandara-Gondia Local Authorities Constituency MLC election. He accused the ruling party of attempting to grab the seat unopposed through pressure tactics.
Allegations of 'Jungle Raaj'
Patole blamed BJP politicians from Nagpur, saying they have started 'jungle raaj' in Bhandara. He stated that the Congress filed nominations of Praful Agrawal, Dilip Bansod, and Naresh Ishwarkar, and immediately faced coercive actions by agencies. According to Patole, 'Agrawal's house was raided by cops last week, and Ishwarkar was put under full police pressure by filing false cases against him.'
He asserted that the BJP is using their seat of power to change the political culture of Bhandara. 'A parcel has come from Nagpur to spread jungle raaj in Bhandara, but we will fight it,' said Patole. While he did not identify who was being referred to as 'parcel,' sources indicate it is a BJP politician from Nagpur who wields considerable influence in Bhandara.
Police Presence and MVA Action
The Sakoli MLA alleged that on the night before the withdrawal deadline, around a hundred policemen were stationed near Ishwarkar's residence, with senior cops camping at the Mohadi police station until 1 am. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) delegation met the collector and election observers, and formally complained to the Election Commission of India, State Election Commission, and district magistrate. Patole sought action against officials he accused of partisan conduct.
