Shiv Sena MLA Faces Election Violation Allegations in Maharashtra

Shiv Sena MLA Santosh Bangar has been booked for allegedly violating election rules during local body polls in Hingoli, Maharashtra. A video surfaced showing him entering a polling booth while a woman was voting, leading to accusations from opposition leaders about the integrity of the election process. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for representatives to uphold democratic values. An investigation has been initiated, and the Bombay High Court has postponed the counting of votes. This incident raises significant questions about the conduct of elections in the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 2, 2025, 18:32 IST

Election Controversy in Hingoli District

On Tuesday, Shiv Sena MLA Santosh Bangar was reportedly booked for breaching election regulations after a video surfaced showing him entering a polling booth while a woman was casting her vote during local body elections in Hingoli district, Maharashtra.

Bangar is affiliated with the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The incident occurred in a polling booth located in the Bazaar area of Kalamnuri town.

Voting was taking place for over 260 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across the state on that day.

The widely circulated video allegedly depicts Bangar entering the booth, looking into the voting enclosure, and conversing with the woman who was voting.

Opposition leader Varsha Gaikwad accused Bangar of directly instructing a woman to vote for him. She claimed that a supporter of Bangar was seen pointing out the voting button to the woman and that they were using phones inside the booth.

Gaikwad questioned the integrity of the election, asking, “How can they call this a free and fair election?”

The video also allegedly shows Bangar shouting political slogans within the polling booth.

In response to the incident, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that elected representatives should uphold democratic values and reflect on their conduct during elections.

Earlier on Tuesday, election officials announced that an investigation into the incident had been initiated. An unnamed election official stated that the returning officer at the booth has been instructed to provide a report regarding the situation, and appropriate actions will follow based on the findings.

Additionally, the Bombay High Court has postponed the counting of votes from December 3 to December 21, citing concerns that phased results could unduly influence voter behavior and the outcomes of upcoming elections.

Last week, the State Election Commission had rescheduled elections in 24 local bodies to December 20 due to identified irregularities concerning withdrawal timelines and symbol allocations.