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The recent controversy surrounding the baggage checks of Maharashtra's political leaders has ignited a heated debate within the state's political landscape. The incident unfolded when Uddhav Thackeray, the former Chief Minister, alleged that his baggage was being selectively checked by election officials, raising concerns about potential bias and unfair treatment. This claim sparked a wave of criticism from the ruling alliance, which vehemently denied any preferential treatment for its leaders.
Eknath Shinde, the current Chief Minister of Maharashtra, dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that the checks were a routine practice during election season and should not be sensationalized. Shinde further asserted that his own baggage, as well as those of his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, had also been subjected to similar checks, highlighting the uniformity of the process. He dismissed the controversy as unnecessary drama, urging everyone to focus on their respective roles during the election campaign.
The ruling alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde, pointed out the checks conducted on Fadnavis and Pawar, showcasing videos on social media as evidence of their compliance with election regulations. The party asserted that the checks were merely part of the standard security procedures and were not targeted at any specific individual. They questioned Thackeray's sensitivity regarding the checks, suggesting that his concern was politically motivated rather than a genuine grievance.
Source: "Why Fuss and Fear": Eknath Shinde Amid Uddhav Thackeray Bag Check Row