BMC Nomination Row Deepens as SEC Denies Complaint Against Speaker, Opposition Flags Irregularities in Colaba Wards

Mumbai: A fresh political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra amid ongoing municipal election preparations, with conflicting claims over complaints related to the nomination process in South Mumbai’s Colaba area. State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare clarified that no formal complaint has been received by the Commission against Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. However, he confirmed that a separate complaint against a Returning Officer is currently under review.

The clarification came even as Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal insisted that he had approached the Election Commission with allegations against the Speaker. Sapkal alleged procedural lapses and claimed the Commission sought additional proof instead of initiating a direct probe, while also informing him that CCTV footage from the concerned office was unavailable after a particular time.

Adding to the pressure, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) candidate from Ward 225, Baban Mahadik, said multiple candidates from adjoining wards had collectively submitted complaints to the Commission over alleged obstacles faced during nomination filing. According to Mahadik, the Election Commissioner assured them that a decision would be taken after verifying reports from election officials and available evidence. He warned that legal action would follow if the Commission failed to act.

The dispute centres on civic wards 225, 226 and 227 in Colaba, where close relatives of Speaker Rahul Narwekar are contesting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Opposition candidates have alleged that they were deliberately blocked from submitting nomination papers, paving the way for unopposed victories.

Several opposition parties accused the Speaker of misusing his position, violating election norms, and influencing officials. Complaints were also raised against Returning Officers, alleging denial of access to candidates and irregular handling of CCTV records. Although the Janata Dal (Secular) later withdrew its official complaint, its senior leader Haribhau Rathod said he would continue to pursue his personal allegations, claiming interference during the nomination process involving his family member.

Rahul Narwekar rejected all allegations, calling them politically motivated and misleading. He maintained that the withdrawal of complaints by a political party itself exposed what he termed an attempt to manufacture controversy. Responding to calls for his suspension, Narwekar dismissed them with sarcasm, suggesting that old political rivalries were being revived.