Tue Nov 19 09:54:19 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Campaigning Ends, Violence Mars Final Hours

**Mumbai, November 19, 2024** – As Maharashtra gears up for the crucial 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections, the final hours of campaigning were marred by violence and allegations of vote-buying. While rallies and show of strength by various political parties concluded Monday evening, two significant incidents cast a shadow over the election eve. Former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh was reportedly attacked, and an attempt was made on the life of BJP candidate Pratap Adsul’s sister. Investigations into both incidents are underway.

The Election Commission took action, halting press conferences by Vinod Tawde and Hitendra Thakur amidst allegations of bribery. Mr. Tawde, a party general secretary, faces serious accusations from Mr. Thakur and others of distributing money to influence voters, an allegation Mr. Tawde denies. Similar accusations of vote-buying were levelled against BJP workers by Sanjay Raut.

Several constituencies are witnessing multi-cornered contests, particularly in areas like Akola and Wasim, where rebel candidates are challenging established parties. The impact of caste dynamics and vote splitting is a major concern. In Nagpur, the Congress-BJP battle is intense, with Congress fielding Vikas Thackeray against BJP’s Sudhakar Kohle. Internal strife also plagues the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), as evidenced by the open campaigning against a Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) candidate by BJP leader Navneet Rana.

A three-cornered contest is also emerging in Sindkhed Raja, with the Shiv Sena (Shinde) and Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) factions competing against each other despite being part of the same alliance. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde warned party members supporting rebel candidates in the Belapur constituency, threatening repercussions.

Concerns over law and order were further heightened by the attacks on Anil Deshmukh and Pratap Adsul’s sister, causing considerable unrest. Police have registered cases and are investigating. In Kolwadi, Girgaum, residents are considering boycotting the election due to prolonged delays and alleged irregularities in the redevelopment project by MHADA.

The election is expected to be closely fought, with the final outcome heavily dependent on the impact of local factors, caste dynamics, and any further incidents of violence or allegations before voting begins.

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