Fadnavis Warns Against Poll Violence After Attack On BJP Candidate In Nagpur

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday delivered a stern warning against any attempts to create fear during the ongoing municipal elections, following reports of poll-related violence in Nagpur.

He said the police would take uncompromising action against anyone trying to disrupt the democratic process.

The warning came after a late-night attack on BJP candidate Bhushan Shingane in Nagpur’s Ward 11.

Fadnavis visited Shingane’s residence in the Gorewada area to check on his condition and condemned the assault as an attempt to intimidate candidates and voters.

Criticism of ‘Bhagwa Brigade’

Escalating his criticism of rival factions led by Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister questioned the conduct of what he described as the ‘so-called Bhagwa Brigade’, referring to volunteer groups allegedly active during polling.

He raised concerns over their selective presence, asking why such groups were absent from other sensitive polling areas.

Fadnavis asserted that the opposition could no longer influence voters through fear and warned that the authorities would decisively counter any such efforts.

Fadnavis accused opposition parties of attempting to reduce voter turnout under the pretext of identifying bogus voters.

He clarified that the responsibility for verifying voters rests with the Election Commission and authorised polling agents inside booths, not with party workers outside.

He alleged that confrontations near polling stations were aimed at discouraging participation rather than ensuring electoral integrity.

Reiterating the government’s stance on law and order, the Chief Minister said those responsible for the attack on Bhushan Shingane would face strict consequences.

He warned that the police would firmly act against any attempt to rule through fear, not only in Mumbai or Nagpur but across Maharashtra.

As Nagpur and several other major cities vote in the civic polls, tensions between the ruling MahaYuti alliance and the Thackeray brothers continue to dominate the political landscape.

Authorities have stepped up security arrangements in sensitive areas to ensure peaceful polling.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray urged party workers to remain alert after officials detected a duplicate voter at a polling booth in Mumbai’s Dadar area, adding to the charged political atmosphere surrounding the elections.

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