Title: Satara ZP Poll Row: Eknath Shinde Alleges Police Role, Calls It ‘Murder of Democracy’; CM Devendra Fadnavis Orders Probe
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has accused leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating irregularities during the Satara Zilla Parishad (ZP) presidential election, triggering a major political controversy in Maharashtra. Raising the issue in the State Assembly, Shinde described the alleged police interference as a “murder of democracy.” Responding to the allegations, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the House that a detailed inquiry would be conducted. The dispute arose after BJP candidate Priya Shinde won the ZP president post despite the Shiv Sena-NCP alliance holding a numerical advantage.
The controversy centres around claims that several ZP members were allegedly taken away by police before voting, raising serious concerns over the fairness of the election process. Shinde told the Assembly that any attempt to stop elected representatives from exercising their voting rights was a grave offence. He stated that he had clearly instructed the Satara police not to obstruct any member, citing court-backed voting rights. However, despite assurances from Director General of Police Sadanand Date, local authorities allegedly removed members from the voting venue, intensifying the row.
Shinde further questioned the timing of the police action, pointing out that some members were reportedly released only after the voting concluded, indicating a possible attempt to influence the outcome. The issue sparked heated debates in both Houses of the State Legislature. Amid the uproar, Fadnavis reiterated that the government would carry out a comprehensive probe and take action based on the findings, even as tensions within the ruling alliance escalated over the incident.
In the Legislative Council, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai alleged that he was manhandled by local police during the episode. NCP leader and Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makrand Patil also claimed he faced similar treatment. Desai accused the BJP of exerting political pressure and alleged that the administration acted as its agent, further claiming that false cases and poaching of members distorted the election outcome.
The row intensified after Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe directed the suspension of Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi. BJP minister Jaykumar Gore opposed the directive, arguing that it was issued without hearing all sides. Following the objection, Council Chairman Ram Shinde kept the directive in abeyance pending his ruling. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab questioned the government’s ability to ensure safety for ordinary citizens if ministers themselves were not secure, accusing alliance partners of remaining silent under pressure from the BJP.