By Tejas Navale
Pune, November 20, 2024: The political drama in the Baramati Assembly constituency, which has been under the spotlight throughout the campaign, took another twist on voting day. Sharmila Pawar, mother of Yugendra Pawar, accused opposition activists of engaging in bogus voting and intimidation tactics to sway voters. She alleged that voter slips bearing the clock symbol were being distributed to influence votes. However, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar categorically denied these claims, calling them baseless.
What Transpired at the Polling Booths?
Sharmila Pawar visited several polling booths in Baramati on election day, where she raised serious allegations against opposition party workers. According to her, individuals were seen asking voters to gather and asking them about voting through gestures. “When we objected to this activity, our party activist, Mohsin, was threatened and intimidated,” she stated.
Sharmila Pawar further alleged that party workers were handing out voter slips with the clock symbol—a clear indication of an attempt to persuade voters to support Ajit Pawar’s faction.
Ajit Pawar Denies Allegations
Responding to the allegations, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar refuted all claims, asserting that his party workers had done no wrong. “Sharmila Pawar’s allegations are completely unfounded. CCTV cameras are installed at every polling booth, and our track record in elections speaks for itself. Our ideology is rooted in the principles of Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, and such behaviour is against our values,” said Pawar.
He defended the practice of party workers distributing voter slips, calling it a long-standing tradition. “This has always been part of the electoral process, and there is nothing inappropriate about it. If any complaint has been lodged, the Election Commission and police will conduct an impartial investigation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Baramati MP Supriya Sule weighed in briefly on the controversy. “I have heard about these allegations. I will look into the matter and provide further details,” she said.
A High-Stakes Election
The Baramati Assembly constituency has been a hotbed of political tension, with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar facing a challenge from his own nephew, Yugendra Pawar. The election campaign witnessed intense debates and fierce rivalries, keeping the constituency in the headlines. With Sharmila Pawar’s allegations surfacing on polling day, all eyes are now on whether this controversy will have any impact on the voting. As the battle for Baramati unfolds, the stakes have never been higher.
