Election Bag Checks Spark Debate: Thackeray's Call for Equality

Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), alleged bias during bag checks at a campaign event. He questioned if similar scrutiny was applied to Prime Minister Modi and other senior leaders, highlighting democratic equality. He urged Shiv Sena workers to scrutinize government officers if equality is not maintained.

Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), raised concerns over alleged preferential treatment in election security checks. During a rally in Maharashtra's Yavatmal, he claimed his bags were inspected, unlike those of prominent leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Thackeray's remarks came as he campaigned for Shiv Sena candidate Sanjay Derkar, questioning whether similar checks are conducted on the bags of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis, expressing criticism over what he terms non-democratic practices.

While affirming respect for election authorities' duties, Thackeray suggested Shiv Sena workers and the opposition MVA might volunteer to inspect the possessions of ruling coalition figures to ensure fairness in electoral processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)