Sanjay Raut Raises Serious Allegations Against BMC Elections
In a press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has raised alarming allegations regarding the BMC elections, claiming significant irregularities in voter lists and EVM malfunctions. He pointed out that thousands of voters' names were missing from lists in areas traditionally supporting his party and others. Raut also questioned a meeting between senior BJP leaders and the municipal commissioner, suggesting violations of the election code. Additionally, he expressed concerns over the timing of exit polls, which he believes undermined the electoral process. Read on for more insights into these serious claims.
| Jan 16, 2026, 13:08 IST
Allegations of Irregularities in BMC Elections
Sanjay Raut, a member of the Shiv Sena (UBT), made significant allegations on Friday regarding the conduct of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. He claimed there were widespread irregularities in the voter lists, malfunctions with electronic voting machines (EVMs), and violations of the model code of conduct. During a press conference on the results day, Raut stated that the voting patterns observed in Mumbai represent "a serious issue." He accused that thousands of voters' names were missing from the lists in areas where Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and Congress traditionally receive strong support.
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Raut further alleged that names of many individuals who had voted in the assembly elections were absent from the voter lists. This issue was particularly noted in regions where the Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, or Congress typically garner more votes. He also reported that several polling stations experienced EVM malfunctions, stating that when the button for NCP was pressed, the light for BJP lit up instead. Similar issues were noted with the Shiv Sena (UBT) torch symbol and the MNS engine symbol. Despite repeated complaints to the election commission, he claimed there was no response.
Questioning a meeting between senior BJP leaders and Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagare, Raut accused them of violating the code of conduct. He inquired, "Why was there a meeting between senior BJP leaders and the municipal commissioner around 6 PM yesterday? The code of conduct is still in effect. What was discussed during your hour-and-a-half meeting? Did you already decide the results for today?"
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Raut also expressed concerns regarding the timing of exit polls, claiming they were released before the official voter turnout was announced. He remarked that the results of the exit polls came out before the voting percentage was declared. "What is happening? In some places, exit polls were released while voting was still ongoing, yet media outlets linked to the BJP began to publish them one by one. BJP leaders started celebrating their victory. What kind of democracy is this?"