NCP workers stop Bhujbal from entering polling booth
What's the story
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal was stopped from entering a polling booth in Maharashtra's Yevla constituency on Wednesday.
The incident occurred during the assembly election in Nashik, which is famous for its onion wholesale market.
The obstruction was done by members of Sharad Pawar's NCP faction, who were upset with Bhujbal's recent switch to the Mahayuti alliance.
Political realignment
Bhujbal's political shift sparks controversy
The Mahayuti alliance that Bhujbal joined includes the BJP, Shiv Sena and the NCP led by Ajit Pawar.
Pawar's faction alleged that Bhujbal tried to barge into the polling booth several times.
Responding to the allegations, Bhujbal said he has spent 20 years on Yevla's development in terms of water management and infrastructure.
He said he focused on development, not caste or religion.
Denial
Bhujbal refutes allegations of evading investigation
Earlier, Bhujbal had refuted allegations that his political realignment was a ploy to escape an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe for alleged money laundering.
He had said, "Caste consolidation doesn't work because people here have faith in the development I've brought."
In July 2023, Ajit Pawar and his loyal MLAs broke away from NCP to join the Mahayuti government with BJP and Shiv Sena.
NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase had slammed the move.
Election update
Maharashtra assembly election sees significant turnout
By 3:00pm Maharashtra's voter turnout stood at 45.5%.
In this election, the BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP is fielding candidates in 59 constituencies under Mahayuti.
From the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi combine, Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) is contesting 95 seats and NCP (SP) has put forward 86 candidates.