Mumbai’s Mulund saw political skirmishes on Friday as workers of Shiv Sena (UBT) vandalised the election war room of BJP’s Mumbai North East constituency candidate Mihir Kotecha amid allegations of money being distributed from the office, a charge vehemently denied by Kotecha.
The incident occurred when Kotecha was attending a rally led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dadar Shivaji Park. On learning about the situation, Kotecha addressed the media and condemned the actions of the Sena. “I am not afraid of such attacks. I condemn this kind of vandalism by Shiv Sena UBT party workers on my election war room. Let me warn you, Sanjay Patil, once I am elected as MP from the North East constituency, I will stop all your illegal businesses, including drug and matka rackets. And I will rename the Mankhurd area to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Nagar,” asserted Kotecha.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the vandalised office, accompanied by BJP leader Prasad Lad, and both leaders condemned the violence. “Such attacks should be criticised. They also attacked our female workers, which is not acceptable. This is not the culture or teachings of Shivaji Maharaj. It is very clear that Shiv Sena UBT has sensed that they are going to lose this election. Hence, they are using such cheap tactics. We won’t accept this kind of vandalism,” said Lad.
Mumbai Police DCP Purshottam Karad visited the site of the clash and said Shiv Sena UBT had claimed money was being distributed by BJP for votes. However, an investigation by the Election Commission found no merit in these allegations. “The situation is under control and tension in the area has been reduced,” Karad assured.
The incident has further intensified the already heated political atmosphere in the Mumbai North East constituency as the Lok Sabha elections approach. The confrontation between BJP and Shiv Sena UBT reflects the fierce competition in this electoral battle. Both parties have ramped up their campaigns, and such incidents are likely to further polarise voters in the run-up to the elections.
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