Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora’s car was stopped for inspection by poll officials on Mumbai’s Marine Drive as part of routine checks ahead of elections. Deora later shared a video of the officials examining his bags and expressed his support for measures aimed at maintaining transparency in the electoral process.
In his post on X, Deora stated, “I wholeheartedly support their efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and free & fair elections. A robust democracy thrives on such vigilance.” His statement highlights the importance of rigorous checks to uphold the integrity of elections.
Deora, who joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena earlier this year after leaving the Congress, is contesting from the Worli constituency. His opponent in the high-stakes Sena vs. Sena contest is Aaditya Thackeray, representing the faction led by Uddhav Thackeray.
This incident comes amid growing scrutiny over the Election Commission’s actions. A recent political row erupted when Uddhav Thackeray raised questions about selective bag checks during a routine inspection in Yavatmal and Latur. He had asked if similar checks were being conducted on Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies.
The controversy prompted the emergence of videos showing election officials inspecting the bags of several political leaders, including Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Nitin Gadkari, before their public rallies. These videos sought to dispel allegations of bias and underscored the impartiality of election officials.
The inspections haven’t been limited to ruling party leaders. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi faced a similar check when his helicopter was inspected in Amravati. A video showed officials thoroughly searching his bags, with Gandhi standing nearby. Likewise, Sharad Pawar, the chief of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), also had his bags inspected at the Baramati helipad in Pune district.
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