Hingoli: Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s helicopter was checked by Election Commission (EC) officials in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district on Friday. Shah posted a video of EC officials checking his chopper on his official X handle.
"Today, during my election campaign in the Hingoli Assembly constituency of Maharashtra, my helicopter was inspected by Election Commission officials. BJP believes in fair elections and healthy election system and follows all the rules made by the Honourable Election Commission. We all must contribute to a healthy election system and perform our duties in keeping India as the strongest democracy in the world," the Union Home Minister tweeted.
Amit Shah's Tweet:
आज महाराष्ट्र की हिंगोली विधानसभा में चुनाव प्रचार के दौरान चुनाव आयोग के अधिकारियों के द्वारा मेरे हेलिकॉप्टर की जाँच की गई। भाजपा निष्पक्ष चुनाव और स्वस्थ चुनाव प्रणाली में विश्वास रखती है और माननीय चुनाव आयोग द्वारा बनाए गए सभी नियमों का पालन करती है। एक स्वस्थ चुनाव… pic.twitter.com/70gjuH2ZfT
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 15, 2024
Earlier this week, a political storm erupted in Maharashtra over allegations of "selective" baggage checks by former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. However, after Thackeray's clams, the baggage of several high-profile leaders, including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and state's Deputy Chief Ministers – Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar – were checked.
The checking of Shah's bags is the latest of the spate of high-profile inspections by the Election Commission in Maharashtra in view of the upcoming assembly polls.
Uddhav's Bags Checked Twice:
The row began earlier this week when Uddhav's bags were checked twice in Yavatmal and Latur districts as he campaigned across the state for the November 20 elections. His party has accused the ruling Mahayuti alliance of trying to manipulate polls by using money to sway voters.
"Our luggage, helicopter, private jet, cars… everything is checked. They search our homes also… we don't have a problem if it is done impartially. But, where Eknath Shinde and (Deputy Chief Ministers) Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis are contesting, Rs 25 crore has already reached…" Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut said.
"Our luggage is checked but are the helicopters and cars of Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah also checked? Are there only clothes in their bags? Are (election) observers not able to see the money distribution going on in Maharashtra?" he asked.
BJP's response to Sena UBT's allegations:
In response, leaders from the ruling alliance have criticised Thackeray as "sensitive". "Let it be, some leaders just have a habit of creating drama," said BJP on Wednesday along with a video showing Fadnavis getting his bag checked.
Maharashtra Assembly Election Schedule:
The elections in Maharashtra for 288-member assembly are scheduled to take place in a single phase on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on November 23 along with Jharkhand.