Mumbai, Jan 3 (NationPress) The president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, Harshwardhan Sapkal, stated on Saturday that the State Election Commission (SEC) ought to have initiated legal action against Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar for reportedly coercing opposition candidates to withdraw their nominations. This action allegedly facilitated the unopposed election of his relatives during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

Sapkal accused Narwekar of breaching the Model Code of Conduct, highlighting that the CCTV footage linked to the incident had been destroyed.

“This indicates a lack of integrity from the State Election Commission. If not for the public's will, then at least for its own ethical standards, the SEC must take action. Once again, it is evident that the Commission is under the influence of the BJP,” Sapkal asserted.

He emphasized that constitutional figures like the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Chairman of the Legislative Council, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and the Governor are expected to uphold a non-political stance due to their significant constitutional roles.

“However, Rahul Narwekar acted in a manner akin to a criminal, intimidating an opposition member. His demeanor, actions, and threats were deplorable. To ensure a family member's unopposed election, he obstructed the door of the election returning officer, preventing his rivals from filing their nomination papers. Such conduct is shameful and constitutes an abuse of his authority,” Sapkal claimed.

Referring to former MP Haribhau Rathod, Sapkal remarked, “He is a former Member of Parliament. What sort of behavior is this -- to threaten him and demand he withdraw his security? As the Speaker of the Assembly, Narwekar gives orders. He seems to believe he is above the Constitution.”

“Previously, we witnessed horse-trading after elections, but now, even before elections, the principle of ‘might is right’ is taking root. Those elected unopposed are not necessarily popular,” he stated.

Sapkal further declared that elections embody the essence of democracy and voting, but alleged that the entire electoral process is being undermined, warning of severe repercussions for the nation.

Sapkal's remarks come a day after he contacted the SEC on Friday, urging that cases be filed against government officials allegedly campaigning for political candidates during the elections. He claimed that around 70 officers and employees from Narwekar’s office were actively engaged in electioneering for his relatives.

Commenting on the purported ₹70,000 crore corruption involving Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Congress state chief asserted that those in power are corrupt, and thus nobody is willing to take action or resign.

“Ajit Pawar has openly challenged Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis,” Sapkal alleged.