16 May,2024 06:33 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondent
Eknath Shinde. File Pic
The poll officials on Thursday checked the luggage of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on his arrival at a helipad in Maharashtra's Nashik, reported the PTI.
The development comes days after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that CM Shinde carried bags stashed with cash in a helicopter, as per the PTI.
The officials did not find anything objectionable in CM Shinde's bags, according to the PTI.
"I carry this much luggage. It contains my clothes. I have brought bags even today," CM Eknath Shinde told reporters when asked about his bags being checked, the news agency reported on Thursday.
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CM Shinde was in Nashik to seek support for incumbent MP Hemant Godse who has been renominated by Shiv Sena for Lok Sabha elections 2024. He also took part in a motorcycle rally in the city.
Sanjay Raut on Monday had alleged that CM Shinde carried bags stuffed with cash in a helicopter to Nashik. He had posted a video on X, showing Shinde alighting from a helicopter and some persons around him carrying large bags.
"If they claim to have the support of the people, then why do they need money to entice voters," Sanjay Raut had asked during a media interaction.
"The authorities have time to probe our helicopters, but no action is taken against these people," he had said.
After nothing suspicious was found in his bags on Thursday, CM Eknath Shinde also said, "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)," he added, the PTI reported.
Meanwhile, members of Shiv Sena (UBT) shouted slogans and showed their party symbol 'flaming torch' at Marathon Chowk on Gangapur Road when CM Shinde's rally was passing through the area. CM Shinde responded by making a gesture of 'bow and arrow', the Shiv Sena's symbol.
This prompted the authorities to step up security at the Sena (UBT) office in the Shalimar Chowk area to avoid a confrontation between the rival Senas when the rally passed from there.
Nashik is among the 13 Lok Sabha seats that will go to polls in the fifth phase on May 20, marking the conclusion of general elections in Maharashtra. Votes will be counted on June 4.
(with PTI inputs)
