Maharashtra Revenue Minister Clarifies Home Visit Amid Poll Controversy
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has firmly stated that visiting party workers at their homes is completely permissible under State Election Commission rules. He made this declaration while addressing the media in Nagpur, rejecting allegations raised by the opposition during the closing phase of civic polls.
Minister Explains Birthday Visit to Party Worker
Bawankule described the controversy over his visit to Kutubshah Nagar as misplaced and politically motivated. He provided a clear explanation of the episode, revealing that he visited Raju Devgade, a long-time party worker, to extend birthday wishes at his home.
"There was no political programme or canvassing involved," Bawankule emphasised. He attributed the unnecessary controversy to a misunderstanding among some Congress workers. The minister added that he explained the facts to Congress leaders, and the issue was subsequently resolved.
Sharp Criticism of Congress Party
Launching a strong attack on the opposition, Bawankule criticised the Congress for its opposition to the ‘Ladki Bahin' scheme. He pointed out that the party opposed it from the beginning and even wrote to the SEC seeking to halt instalments.
"The opposition intensified only after benefits began reaching 2.5 crore women," Bawankule remarked. He also referred to a petition filed in the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court by a person close to Congress leader Nana Patole.
Bawankule Targets Thackeray Brothers on EVM Issue
The minister launched a sharp attack on the Congress and the Thackeray brothers, accusing them of preparing excuses for an impending defeat by raising doubts about EVMs. He claimed the opposition's stance reflected a double standard.
"EVMs were acceptable when they won but faulty when they lost," Bawankule stated. According to him, voters see through this pattern and will not be misled by such tactics.
Response to Ajit Pawar's Allegations
Responding to allegations made by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar regarding alleged irregularities in the Purandar lift irrigation project, Bawankule said raising charges after such a long period lacked credibility. He pointed out that the period between 1999 and 2024 was substantial.
"The public will not accept allegations surfacing after so many years," Bawankule asserted. He urged Pawar, as a senior leader, to avoid actions that could deepen political differences.
Election Commission Actions and Final Remarks
Commenting on the Thackeray faction's ‘Bhagwa Pathak', Bawankule said the Election Commission was already acting against bogus and duplicate voting. He called on all parties to cooperate with election authorities.
The minister extended Sankranti greetings to Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray but advised them to avoid emotional rhetoric and baseless allegations. On complaints of cash distribution during polls, he said strict action should be taken against offenders.
Bawankule also demanded stringent punishment if officials were found guilty in the recent assault on a farmer in Washim. His statements come as Maharashtra prepares for crucial civic polls, with political temperatures rising across the state.
