EVM tampering allegation sparks protests after marginalized candidate’s defeat

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Satish Gaikwad, candidate from the marginalized community, lost Ward 24(A) by 769 votes to Gangabai Bhavre (7,373 votes to 6,604) at the Garware IT Park counting center.

Gaikwad alleged EVM tampering orchestrated by MLA Narayan Kuche and demanded a re-count, which was denied. He then entered the election officers’ chamber, creating chaos. Thousands of supporters gathered outside, staged a sit-in for about an hour, and shouted slogans against the administration. Police Commissioner Praveen Pawar and Deputy Commissioner Prashant Swami intervened to calm the crowd. A mild baton charge was used to stop protesters, who attempted to march toward Kuche’s residence in Mukundwadi. Gaikwad later appealed for peace and announced plans to challenge the results in court. Despite the unrest, tensions eventually eased under heavy police deployment.