NAGPUR/NASIK: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray expressed outrage after his bags were checked by officials deployed by EC at Wani, Yavatmal , ahead of a rally Saturday. A video circulated by the party shows Thackeray’s bags being examined, a move he termed “biased” and questioned whether such checks were conducted on PM Modi, Amit Shah, Eknath Shinde or Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
“I don’t mind if you check my water cans, fuel tank, or even my urine pot,” he said to the officials, “but make sure you’re checking Modi and Shah’s bags as well and send me those videos.” Thackeray questioned why functionaries from his party were subjected to such scrutiny while BJP netas were allegedly not.
Responding to Thackeray’s comments, Yavatmal collector Pankaj Ashiya said, “This process is conducted in accordance with EC’s instructions. Three days ago, when Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis visited Yavatmal district, his helicopter and bag were also inspected.”
Later, addressing the rally in Darwha for Congress candidate Manikrao Thakre, Thackeray claimed the agency is biased as it had assigned his party’s name and symbol to other factions, a reference to CM Shinde’s group. Thackeray claimed an official informally mentioned Modi and Shah’s bags were checked previously but said it should be standard practice to verify the bags of all political leaders equally.
“If these BJP star campaigners are here only to campaign, they should be treated like any other candidate’s representative,” Thackeray argued. “Justice should be equal for all. Don’t salute them as PM or CM here — they’re here as party campaigners, not as heads of govt.” Thackeray also called on EC to ensure a level playing field, adding if they don’t have the courage to apply the same rules for all leaders, his Shiv Sainiks would conduct the checks themselves.
“I don’t mind if you check my water cans, fuel tank, or even my urine pot,” he said to the officials, “but make sure you’re checking Modi and Shah’s bags as well and send me those videos.” Thackeray questioned why functionaries from his party were subjected to such scrutiny while BJP netas were allegedly not.
Responding to Thackeray’s comments, Yavatmal collector Pankaj Ashiya said, “This process is conducted in accordance with EC’s instructions. Three days ago, when Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis visited Yavatmal district, his helicopter and bag were also inspected.”
Later, addressing the rally in Darwha for Congress candidate Manikrao Thakre, Thackeray claimed the agency is biased as it had assigned his party’s name and symbol to other factions, a reference to CM Shinde’s group. Thackeray claimed an official informally mentioned Modi and Shah’s bags were checked previously but said it should be standard practice to verify the bags of all political leaders equally.
“If these BJP star campaigners are here only to campaign, they should be treated like any other candidate’s representative,” Thackeray argued. “Justice should be equal for all. Don’t salute them as PM or CM here — they’re here as party campaigners, not as heads of govt.” Thackeray also called on EC to ensure a level playing field, adding if they don’t have the courage to apply the same rules for all leaders, his Shiv Sainiks would conduct the checks themselves.
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