Mumbai: Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday accused state assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar of violating the model code of conduct in force for the civic polls and interfering in the nomination process. Narwekar countered the allegations, stating that a false narrative was spread by the opposition and that he was a victim of abuse.Congress state chief Harshvardhan Sapkal wrote to State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare demanding that a case be registered against Narwekar for allegedly threatening opposition candidates filing nomination forms, following a purported viral video of the Speaker allegedly threatening to remove the security of former MP Haribhau Rathod at a nomination filling venue in Colaba on December 30, the last day for submissions. “…a person holding an important constitutional position has undermined democracy and obstructed the electoral process. A criminal case should therefore be registered against him” said Sapkal.His letter stated: “…As Narwekar’s conduct is objectionable and amounts to a violation of the model code of conduct, a criminal case should be registered against him. Further, as many as 70 officers and employees from his office are actively participating in the election campaign of candidates who are his relatives, cases should also be registered against all of them for violating the model code of conduct and strict action should be taken.” Narwekar’s brother Makarand, cousin Dr Gauravi Shivalkar, and sister-in-law Harshada Narwekar have filed their nomination papers from wards 225, 226 and 227 in the Colaba assembly constituency.On Friday, Rathod, accompanied by MNS, BSP, and RPI party workers from south Mumbai wards, reached the BMC headquarters and accused Narwekar of “intimidation and misuse of authority”. Rathod claimed that Narwekar warned him against filing nomination papers against BJP candidates and threatened to withdraw his security cover. He also alleged that Narwekar was present at the nomination filling venue until 5pm on Dec 30, and pressured candidates to withdraw their nominations to facilitate his party’s uncontested wins.Rathod further alleged irregularities in the nomination process, claiming that returning officers refused to accept forms, despite candidates completing formalities, including payment of fees. “Tokens were issued, documents were verified and government receipts were generated, yet forms were not accepted,” he said. “If Narwekar’s relatives are declared uncontested, it will be clear that pressure was exerted on other candidates to withdraw.“Activist Anjali Damania, meanwhile, demanded an apology from Narwekar for “abusing his position”, even as Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut posted the viral video on his social media account with a comment, “Respected Honourable Speaker”. In the video, Narwekar is seen calling the joint commissioner of police (Protection) and saying, “Remove Haribhau Rathod’s security immediately; this is the order of the Assembly Speaker.” Narwekar is then heard telling Rathod: “If you don’t want to cooperate, you won’t get security.”Raut also alleged that instructions were given to all returning officers that if a nomination withdrawal application was brought in at any time at night, it should be recorded as submitted before 3pm on December 30, which was the last day for withdrawing nominations. “A friend of mine involved in this process just called me to say that when he mentioned it was wrong to do so, he immediately received a call from the Guardian minister, who made a veiled threat or request to follow what their local MLA said. On 1 side, shelling out Rs 5 crore to the opposing candidates to force them to withdraw and get their people elected unopposed, and on the other side, engaging in such antics! This mob rule is being carried out in the name of democracy. 1 day, there will be a public uprising here like in Nepal and Bangladesh! Jai Maharashtra!” Raut said in a post on X.In his defence, Narwekar stated that he was cornered by an opposition leader misusing his security cover, so he asked for its withdrawal, and the video did not show that he had threatened anyone. “I accompanied my party and alliance candidates to file their nomination forms like any MLA in the city after following the rules. While I was stepping out, an MLC of the opposite party with supporters and his security surrounded and blocked me. He was misusing his police security, and I complained to the joint police commissioner about it.”Calling the allegations baseless, Makrand Narwekar said his brother was being wrongly targeted. “We filled the nomination forms on time. This should have been followed by the others too, instead of levelling such baseless allegations now,” said Makrand.
