Maharashtra: Council adjourned after state Mahayuti leaders accuse police of manhandling during Satara ZP polls

Council Chairman Ram Shinde said the debate could continue indefinitely and adjourned the proceedings of the Council till 12 noon on Monday. File Pic

The special sitting of the Maharashtra Legislative Council was adjourned till 12 noon after Mahayuti ministers accused the Satara police of manhandling them and demanded action against erring officials.

Cracks surfaced within the ruling Mahayuti alliance over the Satara Zilla Parishad elections, with two key allies levelling serious allegations against the administration.

Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai and Ajit Pawar-led NCP minister Makarand Patil accused the Satara police of manhandling ZP members and preventing them from casting their votes.

Allegations raised in Council

The controversy is significant as both factions are part of the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, bringing the police under his direct purview.

The issue escalated in the Council, where both Desai and Patil raised the matter strongly.

Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe took cognisance of the issue and directed the CEO and District Collector to preserve CCTV footage related to the incident.

BJP minister counters claims

However, BJP minister Jaykumar Gore countered the allegations, stating that the version presented in the House was not accurate.

Meanwhile, minister Uday Samant and Desai clarified that they had not named any party or the BJP.

"We are with the BJP as an ally. Our objection is not with our ally, but with the police department and officials," Desai said, urging Council Chairman Ram Shinde for justice.

In his response, Ram Shinde said the debate could continue indefinitely and adjourned the proceedings of the Council till 12 noon.