Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde’s Bags Inspected Amid Election Tensions

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde’s bags were inspected by Election Commission officials, prompting controversy after Uddhav Thackeray raised concerns over similar checks on his luggage. Deputy CM Fadnavis criticized Thackeray’s complaints, defending the EC’s impartial procedures amid rising campaign tensions in Maharashtra.

In a recent incident in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's bags were inspected by Election Commission (EC) officials after his helicopter landed at the Palghar helipad. The inspection follows an ongoing debate over the conduct of EC checks on political leaders during the Maharashtra Assembly election campaign.

The controversy started when Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, publicly questioned why his bags were inspected by election authorities during his visits to Latur and Yavatmal. In a fiery speech, Thackeray questioned whether the EC would perform similar checks on high-profile leaders, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Eknath Shinde. "Are they only checking my bags, or does this apply to all leaders?" Thackeray asked, sparking further debate on impartiality in the polling process.

In response, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized Thackeray’s statements, describing his complaints as an attempt to garner public sympathy and divert attention from the real issues. Fadnavis remarked that EC officials were simply fulfilling their duties, adding that similar checks had been conducted on his and other leaders' luggage during campaign stops. He dismissed Thackeray's frustration, arguing that routine checks are standard practice for all officials to ensure fairness in elections.

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As Maharashtra's election campaign intensifies, the scrutiny surrounding EC’s inspection procedures highlights rising political tensions. With leaders from both major coalitions weighing in, this issue is shaping up to be a contentious point leading up to the polls.