Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) candidate Satish Gaikwad was defeated by 769 votes in the final rounds of counting. Following the alleged intervention of MLA Narayan Kuche, Gaikwad accused the authorities of tampering with the EVMs and raised objections to the result. Subsequently, hundreds of his supporters stormed the counting centre and staged a sit-in at the entrance, raising slogans, forcing the authorities to shut the entry to the centre for nearly an hour.
Gaikwad had contested from Prabhag 24 (A) as a VBA candidate. In the final phase of counting after 3.30 pm at the Garware IT Park counting centre, Gangabai Bhavre emerged victorious with 7,373 votes, while Gaikwad secured 6,604 votes, officials announced. However, Gaikwad alleged that EVMs were replaced and manipulated on the instructions of MLA Kuche and demanded a recount. When his demand was rejected, Gaikwad climbed over the security barricade and jumped directly into the election officers’ chamber, creating chaos at the centre. Tensions escalated further when Gaikwad objected while Bhavre was being presented with her victory certificate.
Thousands of supporters enter counting centre
As news of the incident spread, hundreds of Gaikwad’s supporters gathered outside the centre. Despite police restrictions, an agitated crowd forced its way inside, leading to scuffles. They raised slogans against the administration and staged a sit-in for nearly an hour, compelling officials to close the main entrance of the counting centre. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Prashant Swami appealed to the crowd to remain calm, but the protesters refused to relent. With tensions mounting, Commissioner of Police (CP) Praveen Pawar arrived at the spot and attempted to pacify the crowd.
Mild lathicharge, situation brought under control
After Gaikwad himself came outside and appealed for calm, the large crowd proceeded on foot via Kalagram towards Sangharshnagar, raising slogans against MLA Kuche. Due to the presence of nearly 2,000 to 3,000 protesters, one side of Jalna Road was brought to a standstill. Some youths attempted to move towards Mukundwadi and march in the direction of Kuche’s residence. However, police intervened in time and carried out a mild lathicharge, foiling the attempt. The procession was later diverted towards Sangharshnagar, where placards reading “Our corporator, the corporator of our hearts” were displayed.
Gaikwad later addressed his supporters and appealed for peace. After announcing that he would move the court against the election result, tensions subsided. Nevertheless, the entire area remained under heavy police deployment, resembling a security camp.