Election Commission Responds to Uddhav Thackeray Bag Row, Says 'SOPs Followed': Reports

Mumbai: The Election Commission of India responded to the controversy surrounding the frisking of former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's bags, clarifying that all standard operating procedures (SOPs) were adhered to in order to ensure a fair election process ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, according to reports.A political tussle erupted between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) after Uddhav Thackeray posted a video showing election officials frisking his bags upon his arrival in Yavatmal on Monday for Assembly poll campaigning.In another incident, Aaditya Thackeray claimed that Uddhav Thackeray's bags were checked again in Latur on Tuesday and posted a video of the incident on X.While the Entirely Compromised commission shamelessly carries on trying to delay Uddhav Thackeray ji to his sabhas by frisking, the question is, why isn’t the PM or other ministers visiting Maharashtra to promote bjp’s loot being frisked this way? What a disgrace it’s turning… https://t.co/PxPKKsPhTu— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) November 12, 2024 "While the Entirely Compromised commission shamelessly carries on trying to delay Uddhav Thackeray ji to his sabhas by frisking, the question is, why isn’t the PM or other ministers visiting Maharashtra to promote BJP 's loot being frisked this way?" Aaditya said in the X post.With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in effect, election officials conduct regular surprise checks to prevent the distribution of gifts and cash aimed at influencing voters.The video, likely filmed by Thackeray himself, features him questioning the poll officials about whether they checked the bags of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde , along with his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar . He is also heard asking if the bags of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are inspected when they visit Maharashtra for election rallies."You are following your responsibility and I will perform my responsibility... The way you inspected my bag, did you inspect the bags of Modi and Shah?" he asked, as hear in the video.In response to Uddhav Thackeray's remark, Mahayuti leaders sarcastically said that he was worried about his "stolen money" being discovered. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut joined the criticism, accusing Eknath Shinde and his deputies of distributing large sums of money in Maharashtra."The Election Commission does its work, we have no problem. But, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar have sent Rs 25 crore each... Does the Election Commission check the luggage and helicopters of Mahayuti leaders? Do Mahayuti leaders have only underwear in their bags?" Sanjay Raut said.NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh criticized the BJP over the incident, with Pawar alleging it was an effort to "trouble their opponents."

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Election Commission Responds to Uddhav Thackeray Bag Row, Says 'SOPs Followed': Reports

The Election Commission stated that all SOPs were followed during the frisking of Uddhav Thackeray's bags to ensure fairness in the Maharashtra Assembly polls.

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