Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's luggage was checked by Election officials on Thursday in Nashik. This comes in the wake of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's recent allegations that the CM transported cash-filled bags in a helicopter.
Officials inspected Shinde's luggage upon his arrival at a helipad in Nashik. However, nothing objectionable was found during the check. “I carry this much luggage. It contains my clothes. I have brought bags even today,” Shinde said, PTI quoted saying.
Shinde was in Nashik to solicit support for Hemant Godse, the sitting MP, whom the Shiv Sena has renominated. In the city, he participated in a motorcycle rally as well.
Sanjay Raut's Allegations
On Monday, Raut had claimed that Shinde had flown to Nashik in a helicopter with bags full of cash. He had shared a video on X that showed Shinde getting out of a helicopter while other people were carrying big bags.
During media interaction, Raut questioned, “If they claim to have the support of the people, then why do they need money to entice voters."
“The authorities have time to probe our helicopters, but no action is taken against these people," he also said.
Expressing his views after the luggage inspection yielded nothing suspicious, Shinde remarked, “Some people work secretly. Eknath Shinde works openly. Now, what went outside from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation standing committee will also come to the fore (referring to alleged corruption in BMC)."
Furthermore, Sena (UBT) members raised slogans and highlighted their party symbol ‘flaming torch’ at Marathon Chowk on Gangapur Road during Shinde’s rally. In response, Shinde made the Shiv Sena's emblematic "bow and arrow" gesture.
In order to prevent a confrontation between the rival Senas when the rally passed by the Sena (UBT) office in the Shalimar Chowk area, the authorities increased security there.
Nashik is among the 13 Lok Sabha seats, slated to go on the fifth phase on May 20, marking the conclusion of general elections in Maharashtra.