Surge in election-linked violent incidents
Hindustan TimesIn the wake of upcoming assembly polls, the state has witnessed a surge in election-related crimes, with at least five cases recorded across the state. BJP MLA Seema Hiray and senior leader Pankaja Munde criticized the violence, with Munde stating, “Such incidents during an election, especially when a woman is contesting, are highly condemnable. In another incident in Ahmednagar, BJP leader Vasant Deshmukh was booked for making derogatory remarks against Jayashree Thorat, daughter of senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat, during a rally organized by Sujay Vikhe Patil. This sparked a clash between supporters of both parties, resulting in arrests and cases against Congress workers for staging an illegal protest outside Sangamnagar police station. Despite police intervention, wooden sticks and stones were hurled during a protest by Sena workers outside Matoshree Club over alleged money distribution.