Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on 31 May asked opposition parties to "unitedly boycott" elections if controversies surrounding electronic voting machines are not resolved quickly.
He also threatened to drag the Election Commission to court over the Palghar bypoll result and sought suspension of election officers over the "sudden increase" in voting percentage there.
The Election Commission had earlier rejected allegations levelled by the Shiv Sena that irregularities in electronic voting machines led to the defeat of its candidate in the Palghar Lok Sabha bypoll, saying that the winning BJP candidate has been issued a certificate.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) put out a tweet quoting the Commission that news reports on alleged large-scale failure of EVMs and VVPATs are an exaggerated projection. The EC does not have its own Twitter handle.
Quoting chief electoral officer of Maharashtra, an Election Commission spokesperson said the election process for Palghar constituency has been completed and the returning officer there has rejected a plea of Sena candidate for a recount.
Thackeray, however, raised questions over the commission’s authority.
From the last several days and even on the election day, there were complaints regarding irregularities in EVMs. Does the Election Commission even have a control over the election process? EVMs had malfunctioned in several places and people could not exercise their right to vote.Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena chief
He also sought a clarification on the "sudden increase" in voter turnout a day after the Palghar bypoll.
"The election officials concerned should be suspended for discrepancies in voter turnout percentage," Thackeray said.
“Will Not Part Ways With Sena,” Say BJP Leaders
Hours after the Shiv Sena party chief said that the BJP government did not need allies anymore, Maharashtra BJP leader Chandrakant Patil ruled out the possibility of the Sena walking out of the NDA.
"Uddhav will not take a step that will benefit the opposition Congress," the Revenue Minister told reporters.
Uddhav is not a person who would immediately act on what he had said now. He will not take any step that will benefit the Congress. He will not act against the interest of the state.Chandrakant Patil, Maharashtra BJP leader
Union Minister of Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir echoed Patil’s sentiments, saying, “We did fight an election against them. We (BJP & Shiv Sena) are two parties but we have the same ideology. We have an alliance with them & you can have some differences with your partners but that doesn’t mean we are quitting the alliance.”
Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Fadnavis too seemed confident of the alliance staying intact.
We are not against BJP-Shiv Sena alliance & neither do we believe that our alliance will break, but effort has to be from both ways. We are ready for talks with Shiv Sena.Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra
“Can’t Believe Thackeray Till He’s With BJP”: Congress
In the keenly-contested Palghar by-election, results for which were announced today, BJP's Rajendra Gavit defeated Shrinivas Wanaga of the Sena by 29,572 votes.
However, the BJP lost the Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha seat to the NCP, which fought the elections in an alliance with the Congress.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel said that no one will believe Thackeray till the time he is supporting the BJP. He should quit the alliance & everyone will believe what he says.
State Congress President Ashok Chavan said, “We didn't expect to lose Palghar seat. If the united opposition had fought together, BJP could have been defeated. If Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi and CPI(M) come with us in the future, we can win Palghar also.”
He further added, “The chief minister violated the model code of conduct. BJP supporters were seen distributing money, but no one took any action which is a real cause of concern. This can be called CM & BJP’s victory with 'Saam daam dand bhed'.
If Uddhav Thackeray has even a little self respect left in him, he should get out of the alliance... Instead of all the time criticising the decisions of the government Shiv Sena should simply break the alliance if they are really so unhappy... Why are they still supporting BJP if they’re so unhappy with their decisions?Ashok Chavan, President, State Congress
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
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