Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab raises serious allegations against Neelam Gorhe, demands suspension

The Maharashtra election season is in full swing, as voting in the state's election to 288 assembly seats is underway.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Anil Parab on Saturday levelled serious allegations against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Goregaon Neelam Gorhe, claiming that she distributed coupons to voters, asking them to vote in a particular way with the promise of receiving gifts the next day. Parab condemned the act, stating that such tactics to influence voters were unethical. He further demanded that Gorhe be suspended from her position and that the Governor take appropriate action. Additionally, Parab called for the police to register a case against Gorhe, following the confiscation of the alleged gifts. The controversy has sparked political debate on fair electoral practices.

Parab, while speaking to reporters, said, "She gave coupons to people, told them to vote and told them that they would get a message and gift the next day. The gifts have been confiscated today. Luring voters like this and asking for votes is wrong. So, Neelam Gorhe should be suspended from her post and the Governor should take action. Also, the police should register a case against her, following the confiscation of the gifts."

On the other hand, Gorhe eariler asserted that the introduction of the 'Ladli Bahin' scheme has fostered trust among women voters in the state government, and that the Mahayuti alliance is confident of securing a majority in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024.

Speaking about the Mahayuti alliance's campaign, Ghore highlighted the increasing awareness among women voters, particularly about the Ladli Bahin scheme. "There is significant awareness among women in Maharashtra this year. There is widespread discussion about the Ladli Bahin scheme. Women workers are being sent to every household in 40 constituencies to inform people about the achievements of the Mahayuti government. Our workers have already visited 30,000 homes. Women were eagerly waiting for these workers to come, and now they have developed trust in the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. We are confident of winning the majority," she said.

Gorhe also criticised the opposition for attempting to "defame" the state government. "The opposition is trying to defame the government. They are spreading lies about the state government, which the people of Maharashtra are not ready to accept. The opposition is also trying to create an atmosphere of fear among the people, but they will not succeed in their attempts," she added.