“Even Vajpayee, Modi Never Won Unopposed”: Sanjay Raut Alleges Money Power, Pressure Behind Maharashtra Civic Poll Outcomes

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday launched a blistering attack on the Mahayuti alliance, alleging that a wave of unopposed victories in Maharashtra’s municipal elections was not democratic success but the result of coercion, cash power, and manipulation of the election system.

Addressing a press conference, Raut questioned how dozens of candidates could be elected unopposed in a single election cycle, calling it an alarming distortion of democracy. He argued that even the tallest leaders in India’s political history never enjoyed such outcomes. “Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Ram Manohar Lohia, Vasantdada Patil, and even Narendra Modi were never elected unopposed,” Raut said, adding that Maharashtra was witnessing an unprecedented and dangerous trend.

According to Raut, candidates were pushed out of the race using a mix of persuasion, intimidation, and money. He alleged that rival contestants were offered massive sums to withdraw their nominations, claiming that payments running into several crores were made quietly to clear the field. He cited instances from cities like Kalyan and Jalgaon, alleging that cash was delivered directly to candidates’ homes to force them out of the contest.

Raut also raised serious concerns about the role of election officials. He claimed that withdrawal deadlines were allegedly bent under political pressure, with nomination withdrawals being accepted even after the official cut-off time. Demanding a thorough probe, he urged authorities to examine call records and communication logs of ministers, guardian ministers, and senior officials involved during the crucial hours before withdrawals.

“These elections have damaged Maharashtra’s reputation,” Raut said, asking what role voters are left with if winners are decided without a fight. He went on to sharply criticise the Election Commission, accusing it of remaining silent in the face of what he described as open subversion of electoral norms.

Turning to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Raut also reacted to Pawar’s recent remarks accusing BJP leaders in Pimpri-Chinchwad of rampant corruption. Raut said such statements from a sitting deputy chief minister raise serious questions about the stability and morality of the ruling alliance. He reminded that allegations of large-scale corruption against Ajit Pawar were originally made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself during an election campaign years ago.

“If Ajit Pawar believes his allies are corrupt, why does he continue in power?” Raut asked, suggesting that Pawar’s comments signal political discomfort within the Mahayuti and hint at deeper cracks beneath the surface.