Pune: Allegations of Money Distribution in Baramati Lead to Raids on Both NCP Candidates Before Maharashtra Elections

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Baramati, 19th November 2024: Complaints were filed with the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding alleged money distribution in the Baramati Constituency ahead of tomorrow’s Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections. In response, raids were conducted at the Sharayu Toyota showroom, owned by Yugendra Pawar of Mahavikas Aghadi, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) candidate from Baramati, and at Natraj Natya Kala Mandir, an organisation led by Kiran Gujar, a close associate of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and sitting MLA from Baramati, Ajit Pawar.

However, election officials found no evidence of wrongdoing during their inspections at both locations.

The inspections have sparked a debate in Baramati, and for the first time, a scuffle has broken out over money distribution allegations during the election period. Following the split in the Nationalist Congress Party, a power struggle has emerged within the Pawar family, with Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar on opposing sides. The Deputy Chief Minister, elected from Baramati for seven consecutive terms, is now contesting against his nephew, Yugendra Pawar.

With the reputation of the Pawar family at stake, the election has become highly contentious, mirroring the emotional dynamics of the Lok Sabha elections. Against this backdrop, complaints about money distribution were lodged with the Election Commission, prompting the surprise inspections on Monday night.

Baramati Constituency’s Assistant Election Returning Officer, Vaibhav Navadkar, confirmed that nothing objectionable was found during the inspections at Sharayu Toyota and Natraj Natya Kala Mandir. However, the event has become a hot topic in Baramati, leading to a series of accusations and counter-accusations.

Yugendra Pawar stated, “The team visited Sharayu Toyota yesterday night. We have a business there, and they found nothing. We always adhere to the law. It’s unclear who filed the complaint, but we will address this matter legally once we have full details.”