According to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, some seats have been stolen amid the counting of votes for the Maharashtra polls, leading to a win for the ruling Mahayuti. Along with other leaders, he questions the election results, alleging foul play and pointing to the use of EVMs in the elections. They have called for an investigation into the matter and expressed confidence in their faction's victory that is not reflected by the current trend.
Sanjay Raut's Allegations of Electoral Fraud in Maharashtra
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has made sensational allegations of electoral fraud in the recently concluded Maharashtra assembly polls. He claims that several seats were "stolen" from his party, leading to a victory for the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Background
The Maharashtra assembly elections were held on October 21, 2019. The counting of votes began on October 24 and concluded the following day. The Mahayuti alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emerged victorious, winning 161 seats in the 288-member assembly. The Shiv Sena, which contested the election separately, won only 56 seats.
Allegations of Fraud
Raut has alleged that EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) were manipulated to alter the results of the election. He claims that in several constituencies, the number of votes cast for Shiv Sena candidates was significantly higher than the results announced by the Election Commission.
Raut has also pointed to discrepancies in the counting process, such as missing votes and irregularities in the tallying of ballots. He has demanded an investigation into the matter and has threatened to challenge the election results in court.
Rejection by the Election Commission
The Election Commission of India has rejected Raut's allegations of fraud. It has stated that all EVMs used in the election were properly calibrated and tested before the polls. The Commission has also dismissed claims of missing votes and irregularities, saying that the counting process was conducted fairly and transparently.
Political Implications
Raut's allegations have created a political storm in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena has called for the resignation of the Chief Electoral Officer and has threatened to stage protests across the state. The Mahayuti alliance has dismissed Raut's claims as baseless and has accused the Shiv Sena of trying to undermine the electoral process.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: What is the basis of Sanjay Raut's allegations of fraud? A1: Raut claims that the number of votes cast for Shiv Sena candidates was significantly higher than the results announced by the Election Commission, and that there were discrepancies in the counting process.
Q2: Has the Election Commission responded to Raut's allegations? A2: Yes, the Election Commission has rejected Raut's allegations and stated that the EVMs used in the election were properly calibrated and tested.
Q3: What is the Shiv Sena's response to the Election Commission's rejection of their allegations? A3: The Shiv Sena has called for the resignation of the Chief Electoral Officer and has threatened to stage protests across the state.
Q4: Are there any precedents for allegations of EVM fraud in India? A4: Yes, there have been occasional allegations of EVM fraud in India, but none have been substantiated by credible evidence.
Q5: What are the possible consequences of Raut's allegations? A5: Raut's allegations could lead to a loss of public confidence in the electoral process and could potentially trigger a prolonged political crisis in Maharashtra.
The passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the age of 92 due to age-related health issues has left the nation in mourning. Singh, who was admitted to AIIMS Delhi on Thursday evening, is being remembered for his economic revolution and progressive changes during his tenure. Political figures, including Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra, have expressed their condolences for Singh's family and praised his service to the country. This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates.
The streets of Patna, Bihar have been filled with chaos and tension as aspiring candidates for the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) staged protests and attempted to gherao the BPSC office. With allegations of irregularities in the BPSC exams, the aspirants are demanding the cancellation and re-examination of the exam. The situation escalated when the protesting students were met with force by the police, leading to a standoff between the two groups.
A viral post claims that Udhayanidhi Stalin mocked Hinduism and proclaimed himself as a proud Christian. However, our investigation revealed that the video was edited to misrepresent Stalin's remarks. In his full speech, Stalin also identified as a Muslim and a Hindu, promoting religious equality and unity. Reports and the original footage of the speech further prove that the viral video was misleading.
A delegation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including prominent Ministers and MLAs, visited the Khanauri border to meet Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike for farmers' rights. Concerned about his deteriorating health, they urged him to seek medical treatment. The party also criticized the Central government for failing to fulfill its promises to the farmers and offered their support in the ongoing struggle.
Aspirants of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) have been protesting for eight days now, demanding a re-examination of the 70th BPSC exam. Independent MP Pappu Yadav has joined the protest and appealed to opposition MPs and MLAs to show their support. YouTuber and educator Faisal Khan, known as Khan Sir, has also joined the protest and urged the BPSC to consider the plight of the students. The BPSC aspirants have previously met Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal and have also protested against changes in the exam pattern and the normalisation process.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu wished Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the global Jewish community a happy Hanukkah, a festival that celebrates hope and freedom. In his message posted on X in English and Hebrew, PM Modi expressed his hope that the radiance of Hanukkah would bring peace, strength, and hope to everyone's lives. President Murmu also extended her warmest greetings to Israel President Isaac Herzog on this auspicious occasion.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has accused the BJP of planning to declare Parvesh Verma as its chief ministerial face for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections. This comes amid a heated political battle between AAP and BJP, with Kejriwal claiming that the BJP is upset with the successful schemes launched by his party and is resorting to distributing money to sway voters. The authenticity of these claims has been debated, with Kejriwal challenging Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj to resign if these accusations are found to be false.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Madhya Pradesh to extend his greetings to CM Mohan Yadav on the completion of one year in office. Dhami, along with Yadav, inaugurated the renovated Lakha Banjara Lake and laid the foundation stone for various public welfare projects in the Bundelkhand region. Dhami praised the progress of the region under Yadav's leadership and also mentioned the upcoming visit of PM Narendra Modi to lay the foundation of the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project.
Government leaders from across the country came together in Delhi at a special ceremony to pay their respects to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary. CM Chandrababu Naidu praised Vajpayee's leadership and his significant contributions to India's development, stating that his vision and ideas will always be remembered. Vajpayee, who passed away in 2018, was known for his leadership and important role in shaping India's future.
On the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the late political leader for his remarkable contributions to India's progress and transformation. PM Modi highlighted Vajpayee's achievements, including the Golden Quadrilateral project, nuclear tests, and his dedication to strengthening democracy and the Constitution. He also recalled the challenges India faced before Vajpayee took office in 1998, emphasizing the significant impact of his leadership on the country.