Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray launched a sharp attack on Sunday, demanding the immediate suspension of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker and BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar. Thackeray accused Narwekar of misusing his authority and violating election norms during the nomination process for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.
Viral Video Triggers Major Political Row
The demand stems from a video that went viral on social media last week. The footage, recorded on December 30, allegedly shows Narwekar invoking his position as Speaker. In the video, he is seen summoning a senior police officer and directing him to immediately withdraw the security detail of former MP Haribhau Rathod. This incident reportedly occurred following an argument while BJP candidate Gauravi Shivalkar, who is also Narwekar's cousin, was filing her nomination in the Colaba constituency.
"His authority is confined to the assembly; outside, he is just an MLA," Uddhav Thackeray stated emphatically. "He bullies opposition parties' candidates and orders the removal of security... The State Election Commission must take this seriously." Thackeray insisted that a formal case should be lodged against Narwekar for his actions.
Manifesto Launch and Call for Re-Polls
Thackeray made these remarks during the unveiling of the joint manifesto for the BMC elections, titled ‘Thackerays' word’. The manifesto was launched in partnership with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at the Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar. The event highlighted the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS, with the NCP (SP) also being a part of the coalition.
Beyond the Speaker controversy, Uddhav Thackeray raised a critical issue concerning the electoral process itself. He demanded that elections in wards where candidates were declared winners unopposed be cancelled and conducted again. He pointed out that almost all such uncontested wins were secured by candidates from the governing parties.
"When we caught it (BJP) stealing votes, it started running away with our candidates," Thackeray alleged. "Getting an unopposed candidate elected is an insult to democracy." He argued that such a scenario denies voters their fundamental right to choose their representative.
Allies Echo Concerns Over Democratic Erosion
MNS chief Raj Thackeray echoed these sentiments, adding a pointed reminder to the BJP. He recalled that the BJP had previously approached the courts challenging unopposed victories in West Bengal. "No one remains in power eternally," Raj Thackeray said, suggesting the party should not complain when the political tide turns. He accused the BJP of bringing lawlessness into the culturally rich state of Maharashtra.
The leaders collectively framed the current situation as one where mob rule has replaced established democratic principles. The allegations and demands set the stage for a heated confrontation in the final stretch before the crucial BMC elections, with the opposition alliance positioning itself as the defender of democratic integrity against the ruling combine's alleged high-handedness.
