Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s bags were inspected by Election Commission officials in Palghar on Wednesday, sparking a controversy. This move came after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray questioned the poll panel for checking his bags in Latur and Yavatmal districts.¹ Thackeray wondered if the same scrutiny would be applied to prominent figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Eknath Shinde, who has been the Chief Minister of Maharashtra since June 2022, is also the leader of Shiv Sena and the Member of Legislative Assembly for the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency.² The Election Commission’s actions have been defended by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who stated that bag checks are a routine procedure and shouldn’t be a cause for frustration.
[news_related_post]Other Bag Checks
- Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ bags were also checked by EC officials in Baramati.
- Ajit Pawar’s bags were inspected by EC officials in Baramati.
- The Maharashtra BJP posted a video showing officials checking Devendra Fadnavis’ bags.
These inspections highlight the Election Commission’s efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections.
