Congress files code of conduct violation case

MUMBAI: Accusing deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis of misusing his power as the home minister, the Maharashtra Congress has lodged a complaint of violation of the code of conduct. Congress has alleged that Fadnavis purportedly promised his party’s Solapur Lok Sabha candidate Ram Satpute to withdraw the cases registered against the youth of a certain community for violation of COVID-19 norms in 2020.

In a complaint filed with the chief electoral officer of Maharashtra on Monday, Congress has stated that Satpute, during his campaign in Solapur promised to withdraw cases registered against 250 youths from the cobbler community. The cases were registered under section 353 of the IPC for attending the funeral of a community leader by violating COVID-19 norms. When Satpute was requested for the withdrawal of the cases by the community members during his campaign, he called up Fadnavis and said, “The erstwhile Congress government booked them under section 353 of the IPC and my request is to withdraw the cases.” Congress has submitted a video of the conversation along with the complaint. Fadnavis allegedly assured Satpute of case withdrawals, a violation of the election code prohibiting promises or inducements to voters, as per Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe. In a letter to the chief electoral officer, Londhe stressed the importance of adhering to due process for the withdrawal of cases, as mandated by a SC ruling. Expressing concern, the letter condemns Fadnavis’ agreement to facilitate withdrawal, citing misuse of power and violation of election conduct codes. It calls for action against Ram Satpute, Devendra Fadnavis, and the BJP for their disregard of the code of conduct.