Devendra Fadnavis rejects Rahul Gandhi’s vote theft allegations

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has launched a sharp critique of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding allegations of ‘vote theft’ during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Fadnavis dismissed the claims, stating that no votes were stolen and suggesting that Gandhi is attempting to undermine public trust in constitutional institutions.

To counter the allegations, Fadnavis cited West Bengal election results, questioning how the Trinamool Congress (TMC) won at least 15 constituencies in areas where voter numbers reportedly decreased due to the SIR process. He emphasized that the SIR process allows all political parties to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to raise objections regarding voter lists.

In separate political developments, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has ruled out any political realignment or merger with the ruling Mahayuti coalition. Pawar stated that his party will not join those currently in power and warned of potential street protests if the government does not meet demands for drought relief.

Additionally, a strategic master plan for the Pune Economic Region has been presented to the Chief Minister. The initiative, formulated under NITI Aayog’s ‘Growth Hub’ program, aims to expand Pune’s economy to between $200 billion and $220 billion by 2036, potentially creating up to 2 million new jobs through sectors like manufacturing, electric vehicles, and biotechnology.