05 January,2026 05:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal on Monday launched a sharp attack on Mahayuti. File Pic
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Mahayuti government, alleging that the basic principles of free and fair elections are being systematically undermined in the ongoing municipal corporation polls across the state, reported the IANS.
Sapkal accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar of flouting democratic norms, claiming that political horse-trading has begun even before polling day.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Sapkal said the ruling alliance's pursuit of power had reached a point where it was "swallowing democracy itself". Referring to the manner in which candidates are being elected unopposed, he remarked that the civic elections had turned into a grim demonstration of the belief that money outweighs all relationships and values, as per the IANS.
He stressed that while elections are a routine feature of a healthy democracy, the present dispensation appears intent on eliminating the Opposition altogether.
Drawing a contrast with the democratic traditions of independent India, Sapkal recalled that the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had included non-Congress ministers in his Cabinet. He alleged that the BJP and its Mahayuti allies now operate with a mindset that leaves no room for Opposition voices.
According to Sapkal, ruling party candidates are being ensured "unopposed" victories by preventing Opposition nominees from filing papers, issuing threats and applying undue pressure, allegedly with the support of the police and administrative machinery. He further claimed that the Election Commission has remained a silent spectator to these developments, the news agency reported.
Sapkal demanded that even in constituencies where candidates have been declared elected unopposed, voters should be given the option to exercise the âNone of the Above' (NOTA), in order to protect citizens' constitutional right to vote, as per the IANS.
The Congress leader also launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, accusing him of compromising the dignity of his constitutional office. Sapkal alleged that Narwekar weakened the Anti-Defection Law during his first term and was granted a second term for the same purpose.
He further claimed that the Speaker is now interfering in municipal elections to benefit his relatives by blocking Opposition candidates and misusing his authority. Sapkal said he has formally urged the President of India to take cognisance of the matter and remove Narwekar from office.
Responding to the Election Commission's demand for evidence regarding alleged threats by Narwekar, Sapkal said CCTV footage and witness testimonies were available. He dismissed the findings of the recent enquiry as "mere wordplay" designed to shield the Speaker, reported the IANS.
Commenting on visible tensions within the Mahayuti alliance, Sapkal described the public exchanges between the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) as âNura Kushti', or fixed wrestling, according to the IANS.
He said the spectacle of the three parties criticising one another while continuing to remain in power was farcical. "If they are serious about their differences, Ajit Pawar should quit the government or the BJP should ask him to leave," Sapkal remarked.
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(with IANS inputs)
