Supriya Sule alleges spycam pens used to distribute cash in Pune MLC election

Voting is under way in the state for the teachers' and graduates' constituencies of the Legislative Council. Voter response has been strong, with queues in Nagpur and Pune. All parties are keeping a close watch to prevent irregularities. Amid this, a startling allegation by Supriya Sule, MP from the Sharad Pawar faction, has caused a stir.

Sule alleged that the BJP used pens fitted with spy cameras to distribute money in this election. She made the claim in a post on X. According to her, such complaints are emerging from the Pune teachers' and graduates' election.

Sule wrote that voters are saying such a pen is slipped into their pocket. The voter is required to record a video of voting for the BJP candidate. After voting, the agreed amount is paid on showing the video.

Sule called the complaints extremely serious and worrying. She said they endanger the secrecy of the vote and the freedom of voters. She demanded that the Election Commission and the government take immediate notice, order a thorough inquiry and take strict action against the guilty. She said such acts, which trample the basic principles of democracy, must not be tolerated under any circumstances. Elections must be held in a fair, fearless and transparent atmosphere. In the post she also tagged @ECISVEEP, @MaharashtraSEC and @CMOMaharashtra.

Sule made another post, saying a video of BJP candidate Kaustubh Gawade from the Pune teachers' seat while casting his vote had gone viral. According to her, a candidate should go to the polling station like an ordinary voter, setting aside party identity. Everyone must preserve the sanctity of this sacred democratic process and the impartiality of the polling station.

Sule asked how the candidate was allowed into the polling station wearing the party symbol around his neck. She asked why this latitude is given only to the ruling party's candidate, and whether it is not a violation of the model code of conduct. She said the Maharashtra government and the Election Commission should say what action will be taken against these candidates.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, responding to the allegation, said he did not even know what a spycam is and had never seen anything of the kind. He said that if there is anything of the sort, Sule should send it to him and it would certainly be investigated.

BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban also responded. He said Sule is an MP and, if she has a spy camera, she should hand it to investigating agencies or the media. He asked whether this was an attempt to intimidate voters so that they do not leave their homes. He said a rumour was being spread deliberately. Ban said that if even one camera is found, she should go and see for herself and not fire in the air for no reason. He claimed that if graduate and teacher voters come out, they will vote for the BJP and the Mahayuti, which is why this attempt at intimidation is being made.