Election officials on Thursday checked the luggage of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde upon arrival at a helipad in Nashik, Maharashtra, PTI reported.
The development comes days after Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that CM Shinde was carrying hidden bags of cash in a helicopter, according to PTI.
According to PTI, the officials did not find anything objectionable in CM Shinde’s bags.
“I carry so much luggage. It contains my clothes. Even today I have brought suitcases,” CM Eknath Shinde told reporters when asked about checking his bags, the news agency reported on Thursday.
CM Shinde was in Nashik to seek support for incumbent MP Hemant Godse, who has been renominated by the Shiv Sena for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He also participated in a motorcycle rally in the city.
Sanjay Raut on Monday alleged that CM Shinde brought bags full of cash in a helicopter to Nashik. He had posted a video on X, which showed Shinde descending from a helicopter and some people around him carrying big bags.
“If they claim to have the support of the people, why do they need money to attract voters?” asked Sanjay Raut during a media interaction.
“The authorities have had time to inspect our helicopters, but no action has been taken against these people,” he said.
After nothing suspicious was found in their bags on Thursday, CM Eknath Shinde also said, “Some people work secretly. Eknath Shinde works openly. Now, what came out of the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation “The standing committee will also come to light (referring to alleged corruption in BMC),” he added, PTI reported.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) members shouted slogans and displayed their party’s symbol, the ‘flaming torch’, at Marathon Chowk on Gangapur Road as CM Shinde’s rally passed through the area. CM Shinde responded by making a ‘bow and arrow’ gesture, the symbol of the Shiv Sena.
This prompted the authorities to beef up security at the Sena office (UBT) in Shalimar Chowk area to avoid a clash between Senas rivals when the rally moved on from there.
Nashik is among the 13 Lok Sabha seats that will go to polls in the fifth phase on May 20, marking the conclusion of the general elections in Maharashtra. Votes will be counted on June 4.
(with PTI inputs)