Mumbai: The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Monday launched a sharp political offensive against the BJP-led Mahayuti government, accusing it of systematically weakening democratic values during the ongoing local body elections in the state.
Addressing the media, Sapkal claimed that the spirit of free and fair elections is being deliberately undermined even before voting begins. He alleged that the ruling alliance is creating conditions for uncontested victories by using money power, pressure tactics and administrative influence.
“Today, elections are not being fought on ideology or public welfare. A situation has been created where money decides everything. Democracy is being pushed aside to satisfy the hunger for power,” Sapkal said, alleging that the ruling leadership wants to wipe out the Opposition rather than compete with it electorally.
He accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar of presiding over a system where Opposition candidates are discouraged from filing nominations. According to Sapkal, threats, intimidation and misuse of police machinery are being used to ensure ‘unopposed’ wins in several municipal bodies.
Drawing a comparison with earlier democratic traditions, Sapkal said India’s political culture once valued dissent and inclusiveness, but that mindset has now changed. “There was a time when Opposition voices were respected in governance. Today, the aim seems to be total control with no space for alternative opinions,” he remarked.
The Congress leader also raised concerns over the role of constitutional authorities, alleging that the Election Commission has failed to act decisively despite complaints and available evidence. He demanded that voters be given the option to press NOTA even in seats where candidates are declared elected unopposed, calling it a basic democratic right.
Sapkal further targeted Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, accusing him of misusing his position for political advantage. He alleged that the Speaker has interfered in municipal elections and compromised constitutional principles, and said the Congress would approach the President of India seeking strict action.
