Mumbai, Jan 5 (NationPress) The President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), Harshwardhan Sapkal, on Monday launched a fierce critique of the BJP-led Mahayuti administration in the state, asserting that the core values of "free and fair elections" are being methodically dismantled during the current local body elections.

Sapkal accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar of undermining democratic principles, claiming that a "market for horse-trading" has emerged even prior to polling day.

While addressing a press conference, he stated, "The BJP-Mahayuti's ambition for power has escalated to a level where it is devouring democracy. The Municipal Corporation elections resemble a tragic play of 'Baap Bada Na Bhaiya, Sabse Bada Rupaiya' (Money surpasses all ties)."

Sapkal highlighted that although elections are a vital aspect of a functioning democracy, the present government is striving to eliminate the Opposition altogether. He drew a comparison to India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who included six non-Congress members in his Cabinet.

"Currently, the BJP and Mahayuti have fostered a mentality where they desire no opposition. To guarantee 'unopposed' victories, the ruling factions are resorting to extreme measures—barring Opposition candidates from submitting nominations, issuing threats, and employing coercion. This is happening with overt backing from the police and administration, while the Election Commission stands idly by," Sapkal alleged.

He additionally urged that in areas where candidates are declared unopposed, voters should be allowed to utilize the 'NOTA' (None of the Above) option to safeguard their electoral rights.

Sapkal directed pointed criticism at Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, accusing him of diminishing the integrity of his constitutional role. “The Speaker is expected to remain neutral. However, Rahul Narwekar has betrayed democracy and the Constitution by flouting the Anti-Defection Law during his inaugural term. He was granted a second term specifically for this reason,” he asserted.

He further claimed that Narwekar is meddling in the Municipal elections to favor his relatives by obstructing Opposition candidates and misusing his authority. Sapkal formally appealed to the President of India to take serious action against Narwekar and remove him from his position.

In response to the Election Commission's request for proof regarding Narwekar's alleged threats against opponents, Sapkal pointed out existing CCTV footage and witness accounts of intimidation. He dismissed the recent inquiry report as mere "wordplay" aimed at protecting the Speaker.

On the topic of the internal discord within the ruling alliance, Sapkal described the public arguments between the three Mahayuti parties as 'Nura Kushti' (fixed wrestling).

“The scenario of these three parties criticizing one another while remaining in power is absurd. It's a situation of 'I act as if I hit you, you act as if you cry.' If they are genuinely concerned about their disputes, Ajit Pawar should leave the government, or BJP should send him away,” he remarked.