Police in Latur district have registered separate cases against candidates from Congress and BJP ahead of the January 15 civic elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. A Congress nominee from ward 18, Sundar Patil Kavhekar, stands accused of assaulting and threatening BJP functionaries during election campaigning, while a BJP candidate and party workers face charges of attempting to bribe a voter.

According to BJP city district general secretary Sanjay Vasant Gir, he was intercepted en route to a party rally on Sunday by Kavhekar and his supporters. Gir alleged that the group accused him of distributing money to voters, physically assaulted him, tore his shirt, and issued death threats. A second BJP worker claimed Kavhekar’s supporters pushed him and offered Rs 25,000 to switch allegiance and campaign for Congress.

Acting on these complaints, Gandhi Chowk police promptly registered two cases against Kavhekar under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those pertaining to assault, criminal intimidation, undue influence at elections, and bribery. The allegations have intensified tensions in ward 18, a key battleground in the Latur civic polls.

Also Read: TNCC Chief Says Power-Sharing Decision With DMK Lies With INDIA Bloc Leadership

In a counter-complaint, a local farmer accused Gir of attempting to induce him with Rs 5,000 to cast his vote for BJP candidate Aditi Patil, who is contesting from the same ward. The farmer further named Patil and another BJP functionary in the alleged bribery attempt. Police registered a case against the trio on Sunday under BNS provisions covering bribery and undue influence or personation at an election.

The dual FIRs reflect the fiercely contested nature of the upcoming municipal elections in Latur, with both major parties now embroiled in serious electoral misconduct allegations. Authorities have confirmed the registration of the cases based on formal complaints, as campaigning enters its final phase before the January 15 polling date.

Also Read: Praful Patel Confirms NCP Faction Will Stay With BJP-Led Mahayuti Alliance