Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s allegation that the Opposition is being targeted through “routine” bag checks, have caused a beeline for baggage checks of leaders of the ruling alliance, which is posting the videos online.
First it was the turn of two deputy Chief Ministers – Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. And now Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s baggage has also been checked by election officials, who had termed such checks “routine” when the row had started with the checking of Mr Thackeray’s luggage.
Mr Thackeray’s bags were checked twice in Yavatmal district Monday and Latur on Tuesday as the former Chief Minister travelled across the state seeking votes ahead of the November 20 polls. It triggered a huge row between his faction of the Shiv Sena and the rival group led by Eknath Shinde.
Pointing out that such exercise is needed to check cash for votes, the Sena UBT said this is happening in areas dominated by the ruling alliance.
“Our luggage, helicopter, private jet, cars… everything is checked. They search our homes also… we don’t have a problem if it is done impartially. But, where Eknath Shinde and (Deputy Chief Ministers) Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis are contesting, Rs 25 crore has already reached…” Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said.
“Our luggage is checked but are the helicopters and cars of Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah also checked? Are there only clothes in their bags? Are (election) observers not able to see the money distribution going on in Maharashtra?” he had added.
The ruling alliance had questioned why Mr Thackeray was being so sensitive about a baggage search if he has nothing to hide.
Amid the massive political row, the Maharashtra BJP posted a video on X this morning that showed the checking of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ bags. Later, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s bags were checked while he was on board a helicopter.
In the afternoon, Mr Shinde’s bag was checked by officials in Palghar district.
