Election Commission Responds to Uddhav Thackeray Bag-Check Controversy, Emphasizes SOP Compliance.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has responded to the ongoing political row surrounding the frisking of Uddhav Thackeray’s bags during his campaign stops in Maharashtra. Following the release of videos by Uddhav Thackeray and his son, Aaditya Thackeray, showing election officials checking the former Chief Minister’s bags in Yavatmal and Latur, sources within the poll body confirmed that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were duly followed.
According to Election Commission sources, surprise checks are part of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) enforcement, ensuring fairness and preventing distribution of cash or gifts to sway voters. These measures are a routine practice aimed at leveling the playing field for all candidates. The ECI maintains that these checks are applied impartially.
The incident, however, has sparked a heated exchange between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Aaditya Thackeray questioned the consistency of these checks, alleging that senior BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are not subject to similar inspections. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that large sums were being distributed by certain leaders from Mahayuti.
Sharad Pawar, NCP (SP) chief, and AAP’s Sanjay Singh joined the discussion, calling the incident an attempt to “trouble opponents.” Mahayuti leaders countered these accusations, suggesting that Thackeray’s concerns reflected ulterior motives.
The ECI has reiterated that its actions are in line with established protocols, aimed solely at promoting a fair and transparent electoral process in Maharashtra.
