Congress leader Nitin Raut filed a complaint with SEC against BJP’s Ashish Shelar for allegedly making communal, misleading statements to polarise votes ahead of Maharashtra local elections.
In a letter dated November 4 (Tuesday) addressed to the State Election Commissioner, Raut alleged that Shelar made “a highly objectionable and legally impermissible statement” during a press conference on November 2.
The Congress leader`s complaint cites Shelar’s claim that there were “8,342 duplicate Muslim votes in North Nagpur”, arguing that the remark targets a specific religious community and promotes communal hatred and division.
According to Raut, Shelar’s comments not only attempt religious appeasement and vote polarisation but also undermine the neutrality and authority of the Election Commission, which is solely responsible for voter registration and verification.
The complaint references Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prohibits the use of religion, caste, or community for electoral gain.
Raut urged SEC to initiate strict action against Shelar for violating the Model Code of Conduct and electoral laws.
“Election Commission of Maharashtra must take immediate cognisance of Shri Ashish Shelar’s statement and initiate stringent action to set a precedent for the public at large,” he wrote.
Raut also requested SEC to issue directives to all political parties to refrain from making communal statements during the election period and to consider legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The Maharashtra local body polls will be held on December 2.
Shelar, on Monday, had accused Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray of practising appeasement politics by pointing out only duplicate Hindu voter names, while allegedly ignoring similar irregularities in the Muslim voter list.
Congress forms key panels to strengthen party ahead of Maharashtra local body elections
Facing a crucial test ahead of Maharashtra local body elections, the Congress is working to rebuild its organisation and reconnect with urban voters especially ahead of the BMC polls.
In preparation for the polls, the party has formed several committees to strengthen coordination and streamline its election strategy.
Former minister Suresh Shetty will head the manifesto committee, while party spokesperson Sureshchandra Rajhans will lead the war room. MLA Amin Patel has been appointed chief of the election campaign committee, senior leader Manhas Singh will chair the election management committee, and B.K. Tiwari will oversee the disciplinary committee, the party said in a statement.
Mumbai Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad expressed confidence that the newly formed teams would work collectively to ensure a strong performance in the civic polls. Party insiders said the committees will focus on drafting the poll manifesto, planning outreach campaigns, and maintaining internal discipline and communication.
(With ANI inputs)
