In the run-up to Maharashtra's 2024 Assembly elections, a new controversy has emerged over security checks on high-profile politicians. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray sparked a debate after his bag was inspected twice within two days by election officials, prompting him to question whether similar scrutiny was applied to BJP leaders. In response, BJP?s Maharashtra unit released a video showing Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis calmly undergoing a bag check, which they say was conducted on November 7 in Yavatmal district.
The BJP, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted Fadnavis? cooperation with the security check, writing, ?Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis? bag was checked in Yavatmal, yet he did not create a stir or film the incident. Earlier, on November 5, at Kolhapur Airport, his bags were also inspected.? BJP added that while Thackeray has made a public issue of his own checks, Fadnavis? calm compliance underscores a commitment to the ?constitutional systems.?
?Just holding the Constitution for show isn?t enough; one must also follow constitutional systems,? BJP stated in their post, further emphasizing that all leaders should demonstrate respect for constitutional guidelines.
The issue first escalated on Monday when Thackeray?s bag was checked by officials in Yavatmal, where he was campaigning for Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Dinkar Mane in Ausa constituency. A video capturing the incident showed Thackeray questioning an official, asking if similar checks were conducted on leaders like Devendra Fadnavis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, or Home Minister Amit Shah. Thackeray requested that such checks be done consistently and video proof be provided to demonstrate fairness in security procedures.
Following this, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari?s helicopter was also inspected by election authorities on Tuesday in Latur. This, too, was widely circulated, with Election Commission officials noting that these checks were standard protocol under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to prevent the illegal movement of cash or valuables that could influence voters.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the Election Commission of selectively enforcing rules to disadvantage opposition leaders, arguing that BJP leaders receive preferential treatment. Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut remarked, ?The Election Commission should apply the rules equally. If our leaders are checked, we want to see that checks are conducted on the ruling party's leaders as well.? Raut also questioned whether BJP campaigners have been subjected to the same checks, alleging that large sums of cash were being funneled into campaigns without scrutiny.
In contrast, the BJP maintains that the inspections are routine and non-discriminatory. Party leaders have dismissed allegations of bias, asserting that all parties should be willing to cooperate with standard security procedures, especially during a high-stakes election.
With the Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November 20, this incident has amplified tensions between the ruling alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). As election day approaches, both parties continue to spar over issues of transparency and adherence to the MCC, with each side positioning itself as an advocate for democratic fairness. The Election Commission has yet to respond directly to accusations of biased enforcement but has reiterated that the security checks are intended to ensure an impartial electoral environment.
Counting of votes for the Maharashtra Assembly polls is set for November 23.
