Sat Nov 30 17:05:32 UTC 2024: ## Pawar Echoes Discontent Over Maharashtra Election Results Amidst EVM Allegations

**Pune, Maharashtra –** Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) chief Sharad Pawar expressed growing public dissatisfaction with the recent Maharashtra Assembly election results on Saturday. His comments followed a meeting with veteran social activist Baba Adhav, who staged a hunger strike protesting alleged widespread election irregularities and misuse of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Mr. Pawar described Mr. Adhav’s protest as a symbol of hope for the people, stating that the election was marred by misuse of power and money. He called for public participation in addressing these concerns, highlighting the unusual scale of irregularities compared to previous local elections. The Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP, secured a landslide victory with 235 seats in the 288-member Assembly.

Mr. Adhav’s protest, which began on November 28th, garnered support from prominent figures across the political spectrum, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP-SP leader Jayant Patil. Mr. Thackeray, expressing shock over his party’s loss, urged Mr. Adhav to end his hunger strike. Mr. Adhav ended his fast on Saturday evening.

Jayant Patil criticized the Mahayuti’s delay in government formation, questioning the lack of President’s Rule despite the delay. Ajit Pawar, while meeting Mr. Adhav, attributed the election results to the public’s verdict and dismissed concerns over EVMs, noting the absence of similar concerns from the Mahayuti after their Lok Sabha losses. He also refuted allegations of irregularities related to a surge in voter turnout after 5 p.m. He further explained his role in developing social welfare schemes, such as the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which the Mahayuti credits for their success.

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