Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sharply questioned the timing of NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar’s explosive claim that two individuals offered to secure 160 of 288 seats for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis suggested Pawar’s revelation, made during a Nagpur press conference, conveniently aligns with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of electoral fraud, hinting at a coordinated narrative. “Why did Pawar stay silent until after meeting Gandhi? His claims sound like a Salim-Javed script, echoing Gandhi’s stories,” Fadnavis quipped, referencing the iconic Bollywood writing duo.

Pawar disclosed that before the November 2024 polls, two unnamed individuals approached him in Delhi, promising a guaranteed MVA victory in 160 constituencies through voter list manipulation. He introduced them to Gandhi, who, like Pawar, rejected the offer, insisting the Opposition should rely on public mandate. Pawar admitted he dismissed the duo and did not retain their details, as he had no initial doubts about the Election Commission’s integrity.

Fadnavis also targeted Gandhi for dodging the Election Commission’s demand for a sworn affidavit to substantiate his claims of a “huge criminal fraud” involving the BJP and the poll body. “Gandhi avoids accountability, claiming his parliamentary oath suffices. If caught lying under oath, he’d face criminal action,” Fadnavis said, accusing him of fabricating allegations to evade scrutiny.

Also Read: Mystery Duo Promised Pawar 160-Seat MVA Win

The controversy follows Gandhi’s August 7 op-ed and press conference, where he cited voter roll discrepancies in Karnataka and Maharashtra, labeling them a “crime against the Constitution.” Pawar backed Gandhi, demanding an EC probe to restore public trust, while criticizing the commission’s insistence on an affidavit as unwarranted.

The MVA, comprising Congress (16 seats), Shiv Sena (UBT) (20 seats), and NCP (SP) (10 seats), suffered a crushing defeat in 2024, securing only 48 seats against Mahayuti’s 230, led by BJP’s 132. The Opposition’s allegations of EVM tampering and voter list fraud have fueled tensions, with Pawar’s revelation amplifying calls for an EC march on August 11.

Social media posts on X have termed Pawar’s disclosure a “massive exposé,” raising concerns about democratic integrity, though some people criticized Pawar for not filing a police complaint at the time.

Also Read: MP BJP Chief Calls Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Vote Theft’ Claims Irresponsible