Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Congress Accuses BJP Minister of Intimidation
The Congress party in Maharashtra has complained to the State Election Commission (SEC) against a BJP minister, Chandrakant Patil.
They say he broke the rules for elections by asking Opposition candidates to withdraw their names from the race.
The minister told them they wouldn't win and shouldn't waste time and money.
The Congress leader, Harshwardhan Sapkal, said this is unfair and could scare other candidates.
He wants the SEC to take action against the minister and stop him from influencing the elections.
Elections for local government bodies are coming up on February 5.
The BJP recently won many municipal elections, which might have given the minister confidence to make these remarks.
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal complained to the State Election Commission (SEC) against BJP minister Chandrakant Patil for alleged violation of the model code of conduct.
Patil allegedly asked Opposition candidates to withdraw their nominations, claiming they had no chance of winning, during a public program in Sangli.
Sapkal accused Patil of using his political and administrative power to intimidate Opposition candidates and influence the electoral process.
The complaint demands a case be registered against Patil and a ban on his election-related public meetings.
Elections for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis are scheduled for February 5, with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance recently winning 25 of 29 municipal corporations.
- Who
- Harshwardhan Sapkal (Congress) complained against Chandrakant Patil (BJP)
- What
- Alleged violation of model code of conduct by BJP minister
- When
- Complaint lodged on January 27, regarding an incident on January 26
- Where
- Sangli district, Maharashtra
- Why
- Patil allegedly asked Opposition candidates to withdraw nominations, claiming they had no chance of winning
- Complainant
- Harshwardhan Sapkal (Maharashtra Congress president)
- Accused
- Chandrakant Patil (BJP minister)
- Complaint Against
- Alleged violation of model code of conduct
- Election Date
- February 5
- Elections For
- 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis
- Recent Municipal Elections
- BJP-led Mahayuti alliance won 25 of 29 municipal corporations
