Raut Alleges Rs 10,000 Distributed Per Voter In MLC Election
“In the constituencies for teachers and graduates, Rs 10,000 per person has been distributed": Raut
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday levelled serious allegations against the BJP, claiming that Rs 10,000 was distributed to each voter during the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections for the graduates’ and teachers’ constituencies. Accusing the BJP, the Shinde faction and the Fadnavis-led government of corruption, Raut asserted that they had effectively “bought” democracy.
The Rajya Sabha MP strongly criticised the government, questioning why voters were allegedly being bribed with Rs 10,000 when struggling farmers were being offered only Rs 5,000 in assistance.
“In the constituencies for teachers and graduates, Rs 10,000 per person has been distributed, specifically in areas where BJP candidates are contesting. Votes are being bought for Rs 10,000 each. However, farmers are being offered only Rs 5,000,” Raut said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further claimed that Rs 500 crore was being used to buy votes and even entire political parties. He suggested that the exercise was a ploy to bring an end to the agitation led by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange.
“The ruling dispensation seems to believe that everything — political parties, MLAs, MPs and even individuals — can be bought with money. This corrupt wealth lies with the BJP and the Shinde faction. If we protest, we are branded as traitors, crushed and thrown into prison. Are we not even allowed to speak about this?” Raut asked.
Biennial elections for five seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) were held on Friday, with counting scheduled for October 27.