Congress and NCP Workers Clash Amid Polling in Akola District

Tensions escalated in Akot, a town in the Akola district of Maharashtra, when workers from the Congress party and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faced off outside a polling booth during the elections held on March 15, 2024. The incident occurred at the Urdu High School polling station in Dharool Vesh, where arguments among polling agents soon led to a physical confrontation outside as supporters from both parties gathered.

Police intervened swiftly to disperse the crowd, restoring order quickly. Six individuals were detained but were allowed to cast their votes prior to being questioned. Superintendent of Police Archit Chandak confirmed that the situation was brought under control and voting continued without further interruptions.

While the overall polling day in the Vidarbha region was largely peaceful, incidents of violence and procedural disruptions were reported in Akola and Chandrapur, requiring prompt police action. Nonetheless, many voters showed determination in exercising their rights, with reports of long queues at various booths. Heartwarming stories emerged, such as newlyweds voting before their ceremonies and a 95-year-old woman arriving at a polling place early in the morning.

Allegations of Malpractice Stir Controversy

A separate confrontation occurred in Akot outside the Nagar Parishad Urdu Senior Primary School, where representatives from opposition parties accused BJP workers of distributing cash to sway voters. This claim escalated tensions, resulting in a physical altercation. Following a complaint from Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leaders, local police detained one individual. Police Inspector Amol Malwe indicated that a non-cognizable offence was registered, while BJP officials dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.

Polling faced additional challenges in Gadchandur, located in Chandrapur district, when a voter damaged a ballot unit at the Adarsh Hindi School booth in Ward 9. The individual claimed that an incorrect party symbol illuminated when he pressed the button. The voter, identified as Vivek Durge, was subsequently arrested. A police team arrived to reassure anxious citizens, and polling resumed after approximately one hour following the replacement of the damaged unit.

In Buldhana, polling was disrupted by an incident involving an alleged bogus voter. Reports indicated that workers apprehended the individual, who was subsequently beaten before being handed over to the police. Congress leaders claimed that Kunal Gaikwad, son of MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, intervened to assist the youth in escaping police custody, sparking protests from Congress supporters demanding immediate accountability from the authorities.

Ongoing Allegations and Personal Stories Highlight Election Day

The situation in Rajura intensified following the emergence of a video on polling day, purportedly showing a BJP functionary offering ₹2,000 per vote. Congress leader Suraj Thakre lodged a complaint, prompting election officials to confirm the receipt of an oral complaint earlier in the day. Rajura Tehsildar and Election Officer Omprakash Gond stated that written submissions were being collected for further investigation. This incident followed a previous uproar over another viral video allegedly involving a BJP candidate’s father.

Despite the controversies, many voters demonstrated their civic responsibility. Sahil Solunke, a groom from Jawahar Nagar, voted at the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule School polling station before heading to his wedding. His family received accolades from polling staff for their commitment to participating in the electoral process. Similarly, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan from Hiwarkhed, Ajay Ramdas Bantkar, arrived at the Zilla Parishad Mahatma Gandhi College booth in full wedding attire, encouraging citizens to vote even on significant life occasions.

As the electoral process continues in Maharashtra, authorities are focused on ensuring a smooth experience for voters while addressing allegations of malpractice to uphold the integrity of the election.