Mumbai's civic election process has been rocked by serious allegations against Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. The Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) have jointly accused the Speaker of blatantly violating the model code of conduct and interfering in the nomination process for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.
Allegations of Intimidation and Threats
At the heart of the controversy is a purported viral video from December 30, the last day for filing nominations. The video allegedly shows Speaker Narwekar threatening to withdraw the security cover of former MP Haribhau Rathod at a nomination filing venue in Colaba. Congress state chief Harshvardhan Sapkal has written a formal complaint to State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, demanding a criminal case be registered against Narwekar.
"A person holding an important constitutional position has undermined democracy and obstructed the electoral process," Sapkal stated in his letter. He argued that Narwekar's conduct was not only objectionable but a clear violation of the model code, warranting legal action.
Broader Accusations of Unfair Play
The opposition's allegations extend beyond a single incident. Sapkal's letter further claims that 70 officers and employees from the Speaker's office are actively campaigning for candidates who are his relatives. The Speaker's brother Makarand Narwekar, cousin Dr. Gauravi Shivalkar, and sister-in-law Harshada Narwekar have filed nominations from wards 225, 226, and 227 in the Colaba assembly constituency.
On Friday, Rathod, accompanied by workers from MNS, BSP, and RPI parties, approached the BMC headquarters. He accused Narwekar of using intimidation and misusing his authority. Rathod claimed the Speaker warned him against filing nominations against BJP candidates and threatened to withdraw his security. He also alleged that Narwekar remained at the nomination center until 5 PM on December 30, pressuring candidates to withdraw to ensure uncontested wins for his party's nominees.
Rathod pointed to further irregularities, stating that returning officers refused to accept nomination forms even after candidates completed all formalities, including fee payments. "Tokens were issued, documents were verified and government receipts were generated, yet forms were not accepted," he revealed.
Political Reactions and Viral Video
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut amplified the accusations by sharing the viral video on his social media account with a sarcastic caption, "Respected Honourable Speaker." The video appears to show Narwekar calling the joint commissioner of police (Protection) and ordering, "Remove Haribhau Rathod's security immediately; this is the order of the Assembly Speaker." Narwekar is then heard telling Rathod, "If you don't want to cooperate, you won't get security."
Raut made an even more serious claim in a post on X. He alleged that returning officers were instructed to record any nomination withdrawal application submitted late at night as if it had been submitted before the 3 PM deadline on December 30. He suggested a combination of financial inducements and political pressure was being used to engineer uncontested victories.
Activist Anjali Damania also entered the fray, demanding a public apology from the Speaker for abusing his official position.
Speaker's Defense and Counterclaims
Speaker Rahul Narwekar has categorically denied all allegations, labeling them a "false narrative" spread by the opposition. He stated he was a victim of abuse and explained his side of the Colaba incident.
"I accompanied my party and alliance candidates to file their nomination forms like any MLA in the city after following the rules," Narwekar said. "While I was stepping out, an MLC of the opposite party with supporters and his security surrounded and blocked me. He was misusing his police security, and I complained to the joint police commissioner about it." He insisted the video was edited and did not show him threatening anyone.
His brother, Makarand Narwekar, also came to his defense, calling the allegations baseless and politically motivated. "We filled the nomination forms on time. This should have been followed by the others too, instead of levelling such baseless allegations now," Makarand stated.
The controversy has cast a shadow over the Mumbai civic election process, raising questions about the impartiality of the administration and the sanctity of the model code of conduct. The State Election Commission's response to the formal complaint is now eagerly awaited.
