Congress leaders have made a strong declaration to address the issue of cross-voting by party lawmakers in the recent Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. The ruling Mahayuti alliance clinched nine out of 11 seats, revealing that a significant number of Congress MLAs went against the party’s instructions.
Expressing his firm stance on the matter, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole stated, “The state unit has identified the individuals involved in cross-voting. Those who have engaged in anti-party activities and betrayed the party will face consequences. The party will not hesitate to take decisive action against them.”
In a visibly charged address on Friday, Patole emphasized that the Congress would not tolerate such disloyalty and assured that ‘stern action’ would be taken against those deemed ‘treacherous’.
The election results revealed that at least seven out of the 37 Congress MLAs in the state had cross-voted. The party had a predetermined allocation of 30 first preference votes for their candidate Pradnya Satav, with the remaining seven votes earmarked for Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee Milind Narvekar. However, the final tally showed Satav receiving 25 first preference votes while Narvekar secured 22, resulting in the defeat of Peasants and Workers’ Party candidate Jayant Patil.
विश्वासघातकी आणि बदमाशांना धडा शिकवणार! pic.twitter.com/rN32vPo5aS
— Nana Patole (@NANA_PATOLE) July 13, 2024
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut characterized the polls as a clash between financial influence and people’s support. He alleged that the rates demanded by MLAs from smaller parties and independents were exorbitant and likened the situation to a stock market, even insinuating that some legislators were offered lucrative incentives like two acres of land.
Raut emphasized, “The council election highlighted the battle between monetary power and the will of the people. Despite claims of secularism and belief in socialist ideologies, there were numerous instances of MLAs not voting for the MVA candidate. It was reported that the ‘price’ for MLAs ranged from ₹20 crore to ₹25 crore. The MVA alliance has refused to engage in such unethical practices.”
Overjoyed by the outcome, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar shared, “We had 42 votes, and our candidates secured 47. We gained an additional five votes, with five MLAs extending their support to us. I express my gratitude to them. Despite allegations during elections, I remain focused on our goal. I hope for a similar success for Mahayuti in the Vidhan Sabha as well…”
(With inputs from agencies)
