Election Commission Intensifies Security: Top Political Leaders' Bags and Helicopters Inspected

The Election Commission has ramped up security measures, inspecting the bags and helicopters of top political leaders such as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray as part of Standard Operating Procedures ahead of Maharashtra's assembly elections. These checks aim to ensure compliance with election guidelines.

The Election Commission took significant steps to enforce Standard Operating Procedures ahead of Maharashtra's assembly elections, inspecting the bags and helicopters of top political figures. Among those scrutinized were Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, whose belongings were checked upon landing in Nashik.

Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray's bags were similarly inspected in Ahmednagar, while Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole's campaign journey in Goregaon included checks of his helicopter and bags at the Tiroda helipad. These checks come as part of broader efforts to ensure a level playing field amid election season.

The move follows Uddhav Thackeray's public grievances regarding these checks, questioning whether similar procedures were applied to other high-profile leaders. The Election Commission reiterated that all actions adhere to SOPs. Earlier in the week, Thane Police and the Election Commission uncovered Rs 2.5 crore in cash in a related effort to enforce election conduct rules.

(With inputs from agencies.)