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Amid the ongoing controversy over bag checks of Uddhav Thackeray by election officials, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s bags were checked at the Palghar Police ground helipad during his election campaign stop. The incident follows recent bag checks Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, who earlier this week alleged selective targeting by poll authorities.
On Wednesday, election officials also checked the bags of Union Minister Ramdas Athawale.Separate videos shared on social media show Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar undergoing similar bag checks while onboard a helicopter for campaign travel.
Pawar, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), remarked on X that such checks are essential for “free and fair elections.” He emphasised, “Everyone should respect the law and support efforts to uphold the integrity of the country's democracy,” sharing a video of his bags being checked in Baramati.
In response to the claims of selective targeting raised by Uddhav Thackeray, the Maharashtra BJP posted a video showing Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ bags being checked by security personnel at Kolhapur airport. Alongside the footage, the BJP stated, “Simply holding the Constitution for show is not enough; one must also follow constitutional systems.”
The BJP’s response aimed to counter Thackeray’s comments after he claimed his bags were inspected by election officials in Latur and Yavatmal districts over the past two days while campaigning for the November 20 assembly elections. Thackeray raised questions over whether similar checks would apply to senior leaders from the ruling alliance, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Thackeray remarked, “Modi is coming today and I will send you to Solapur airport, which is shut (in view of the visit). Narendra Modi should also be subjected to this kind of checking.” He clarified his frustration, saying, “I am not angry with you, but the same law should be applied to Narendra Modi when he is coming for election campaign...We should live and die for Maharashtra and not do the jobs for other states.”
A video posted by the Shiv Sena (UBT) on X shows Thackeray asking election officials for their names and postings while they conducted the search, with him jokingly remarking, “I am the first customer then,” after officials informed him he was the first to be checked.
Ajit Pawar, whose video also circulated widely, shared footage of an official checking his bags and finding snacks, including a packet of 'chaklis' and a box of 'ladoos,' in his helicopter. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “Today, while on my way for election campaigning, the Election Commission conducted a routine check of my bags and helicopter. I fully cooperated and believe that such measures are essential to ensure free and fair elections.”
Adding to the tension, Uddhav Thackeray’s convoy was stopped at the Maharashtra-Goa border in Sindhudurg district on Wednesday, days after his bags were checked by poll officials in Yavatmal. When his vehicle was halted at the Inshuli check post, Thackeray appeared visibly frustrated, although his convoy was allowed to proceed after personnel recognised him. He then continued his journey toward Sawantwadi in Sindhudurg, where he addressed a campaign rally.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: CM Eknath Shinde’s bags were checked at Palghar Police ground helipad where he reached for the election campaign.
(Source: Shiv Sena) pic.twitter.com/44CnWiTYzG
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2024
On Wednesday, election officials also checked the bags of Union Minister Ramdas Athawale.Separate videos shared on social media show Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar undergoing similar bag checks while onboard a helicopter for campaign travel.
Pawar, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), remarked on X that such checks are essential for “free and fair elections.” He emphasised, “Everyone should respect the law and support efforts to uphold the integrity of the country's democracy,” sharing a video of his bags being checked in Baramati.
In response to the claims of selective targeting raised by Uddhav Thackeray, the Maharashtra BJP posted a video showing Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ bags being checked by security personnel at Kolhapur airport. Alongside the footage, the BJP stated, “Simply holding the Constitution for show is not enough; one must also follow constitutional systems.”
The BJP’s response aimed to counter Thackeray’s comments after he claimed his bags were inspected by election officials in Latur and Yavatmal districts over the past two days while campaigning for the November 20 assembly elections. Thackeray raised questions over whether similar checks would apply to senior leaders from the ruling alliance, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Thackeray remarked, “Modi is coming today and I will send you to Solapur airport, which is shut (in view of the visit). Narendra Modi should also be subjected to this kind of checking.” He clarified his frustration, saying, “I am not angry with you, but the same law should be applied to Narendra Modi when he is coming for election campaign...We should live and die for Maharashtra and not do the jobs for other states.”
A video posted by the Shiv Sena (UBT) on X shows Thackeray asking election officials for their names and postings while they conducted the search, with him jokingly remarking, “I am the first customer then,” after officials informed him he was the first to be checked.
Ajit Pawar, whose video also circulated widely, shared footage of an official checking his bags and finding snacks, including a packet of 'chaklis' and a box of 'ladoos,' in his helicopter. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “Today, while on my way for election campaigning, the Election Commission conducted a routine check of my bags and helicopter. I fully cooperated and believe that such measures are essential to ensure free and fair elections.”
Adding to the tension, Uddhav Thackeray’s convoy was stopped at the Maharashtra-Goa border in Sindhudurg district on Wednesday, days after his bags were checked by poll officials in Yavatmal. When his vehicle was halted at the Inshuli check post, Thackeray appeared visibly frustrated, although his convoy was allowed to proceed after personnel recognised him. He then continued his journey toward Sawantwadi in Sindhudurg, where he addressed a campaign rally.
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