Mumbai’s BMC election drama escalated Thursday as Nationalist Congress Party heavyweight Nawab Malik shot down charges of fraudulent voting, labeling them a vicious smear by political adversaries. The allegations, primarily from Shiv Sena activists, claimed impersonation and duplicate ballots at key wards, igniting a firestorm on social media and local news channels.
Speaking at a packed press conference in Malad, Malik didn’t mince words. ‘This is textbook dirty politics – accuse without evidence to confuse the masses,’ he thundered, waving documents purportedly showing clean voter lists in contested areas. He demanded an independent probe and warned of legal action against those spreading ‘malicious lies.’
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls, controlling a budget larger than many states, have always been a battleground for Maharashtra’s heavyweights. With 227 wards up for grabs, alliances are fluid, and every vote counts. Incidents of alleged booth capturing and fake IDs have been reported sporadically, but Malik insisted NCP’s ground game was impeccable.
Opposition leaders, however, aren’t backing down. Sena’s vocal spokespersons reiterated demands for repolls in suspicious zones, citing eyewitness accounts. The Maharashtra CEO’s office, meanwhile, assured vigilant oversight, including CCTV and micro-observers at vulnerable spots.
Malik shifted focus to governance promises, vowing to prioritize civic amenities if NCP gains ground. ‘Our voters know the truth; they won’t fall for these gimmicks,’ he concluded optimistically. As counting day nears, this episode underscores the cutthroat nature of BMC politics, where allegations fly thicker than monsoon rains. Will Malik’s rebuttal restore faith, or fuel further discord? Stay tuned.
