By Srijita Chakraborty
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis came hard on political parties on Friday for nominating candidates with a criminal record in the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation Elections, while promising a crime-free administration in the previous elections.
In a public gathering, Fadnavis expressed doubts over the wisdom behind suggesting such nominees when there has been large-scale political talk about wiping out organized crime in the city. Referring specifically to assurances made about cracking down on gangs like the “Koyta gang”, the chief minister said supporting individuals with criminal records was “absolutely wrong”.
“Everyone says crime should be eradicated. I have heard many speeches where it was said that gangs would be eliminated from Pune. But the same people are now giving tickets to criminals and even speaking in their support,” Fadnavis said. He further said while underlining his position as the Home Minister of the state that even if such candidates won, “their place will not be in the municipal corporation, but in jail”.
These comments are being made in a background of an aggressive political argument in wake of civic elections scheduled to take place in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut had stated earlier that they would have even given tickets to associates of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim if they had got a chance. He made these comments while accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Nationalist Congress Party of giving tickets to relatives of gang members.
“Pune was a very beautiful place, but today it is known by the name of a ‘goon’ city,” Raut said, alleging that parties use goondagiri, or hooliganism, to contest elections.
The Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced elections for the 29 Municipal corporations of Maharashtra – Maharashtra Municipal Elections 2017, for which voting will occur on January 15th. The result is due to be announced on January 16th. Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation are some of the cities that would go for election.