'SOPs followed': ECI on row over Uddhav Thackeray bag check
What's the story
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has defended its actions after former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's bags were frisked in Yavatmal and Latur.
The incidents occurred as Thackeray was campaigning for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls.
The commission said all standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed, ensuring a level playing field during the elections.
Inspection controversy
Thackeray questions inspection procedures, alleges bias
A video shared by Thackeray showed election officials checking his bags when he arrived in Yavatmal.
In the video, he asked if similar checks were done on the bags of other senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He also asked if Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were subjected to similar checks.
Social media outcry
Aaditya Thackeray criticizes ECI, alleges delay in campaign
Thackeray's son Aaditya Thackeray took to social media platform X to express discontent over the incident.
He questioned why only his father's bags were checked while alleging bias against opposition leaders.
Aaditya also criticized the ECI for allegedly delaying Uddhav Thackeray's campaign activities through such frisking.
Scrutiny questioned
Shiv Sena leader questions scrutiny of Mahayuti leaders
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that Mahayuti leaders were distributing large sums of money in Maharashtra. He asked if their luggage and helicopters were checked similarly.
Refuting the allegations, ECI sources said aircraft and helicopters of top leaders of all parties are routinely checked as per SOPs.
They referred to past cases during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when top leaders' helicopters were checked.
Rally address
Uddhav Thackeray addresses rally, questions inspection procedures
Addressing a rally at Wani, Uddhav Thackeray reiterated his concerns about selective inspections.
He asked party workers to check the identity cards of officials conducting such checks.
"You are following your responsibility, and I will perform my responsibility," Thackeray said, asking if similar inspections were conducted on ruling alliance leaders' bags.