In a swift rebuttal amid rising tensions in Mumbai’s political arena, NCP leader Nawab Malik has categorically denied accusations of fake voting in the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The claims, which surfaced from rival factions, alleged systematic manipulation at several polling stations, sparking outrage among voters and opposition parties alike.
Malik, a seasoned politician with deep roots in Maharashtra’s power corridors, addressed the media late evening, dismissing the allegations as ‘baseless propaganda’ orchestrated by his detractors. ‘These are nothing but desperate attempts to derail the democratic process,’ he asserted, urging the Election Commission to investigate any genuine complaints transparently.
The BMC elections, one of India’s largest local body polls, have been under intense scrutiny due to the staggering number of voters – over 1.2 crore – and the high stakes involved for ruling and opposition alliances. Reports of irregularities, including bogus votes and voter intimidation, have trickled in from areas like Bandra, Andheri, and Dadar, prompting calls for stricter monitoring.
Malik highlighted his party’s commitment to fair play, pointing to their robust campaign machinery that mobilized thousands of genuine supporters. He accused rivals of inflating the issue to gain media mileage ahead of vote counting. ‘Let the results speak for themselves,’ he challenged, exuding confidence in NCP’s performance despite the Shiv Sena-BJP dominance in the civic body.
As the polls conclude, the Election Commission has deployed additional forces and webcasted sensitive booths to ensure integrity. Political analysts note that such accusations are par for the course in high-octane Mumbai elections, but Malik’s firm denial could sway public perception. With results expected soon, all eyes are on whether these claims hold water or fizzle out as mere election rhetoric.