Maharashtra BJP Alleges Massive Electoral Fraud, Calls for Urgent Action

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has accused state officials of electoral fraud involving vote manipulation. He called for an investigation by the Election Commission, highlighting 3000 duplicate voter registrations in two constituencies. The Shiv Sena party also gained approval to accept public contributions ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

In a startling claim, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has alleged a 'big conspiracy' in the state's electoral procedures, suggesting widespread vote manipulation ahead of the Assembly elections. The BJP leader has called for immediate action against officials involved in the reported fraud.

Bawankule pointed to at least 3000 voters who were registered in two Assembly constituencies, Dhule and Malegaon, who, according to him, belonged to one specific community. 'In Dhule and Malegaon Assembly constituencies, there are more than 3000 entries which are duplicated. Voter ID numbers and photos are identical. Despite digitization by the Election Commission, these discrepancies went unnoticed,' he told ANI.

The BJP president expressed concerns over similar issues across 30-40 constituencies in Maharashtra. He cited instances of voter deletions during the 2019 elections and demanded a comprehensive investigation. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has authorized the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party to accept public contributions in anticipation of the November elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)