On Thursday, Election Commission officers in Panchavati, Nashik, conducted a luggage inspection on Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde.

Previously, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claimed that Eknath Shinde transported bags filled with cash in a helicopter to Nashik, an allegation dismissed by the Shiv Sena led by Shinde. Raut shared a video on X platform depicting Shinde disembarking from a helicopter with individuals carrying sizable bags nearby.

#WATCH | Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde’s luggage was checked by Election Commission officers in Panchavati, Nashik. pic.twitter.com/1v1sBkNe4p

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2024

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During a media interaction, Sanjay Raut questioned the need for financial inducements if they assert having the backing of the public. He criticized the authorities for prioritizing investigations into their helicopters while neglecting to take action against those allegedly involved in such activities.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat dismissed Raut’s assertion, stating that the bags contained clothes. He explained that when any leader embarks on such tours, they typically carry bags filled with clothing items. Shirsat dismissed Raut’s claims as unfounded imaginings.

On Monday, May 20, polling is scheduled for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, covering 13 constituencies in Maharashtra. Notable candidates include Union minister Piyush Goyal, actor-politician Bhushan Patil, and public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Maharashtra boasts 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second-largest number after Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 seats.

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The 13 constituencies slated for polling are Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Kalyan, Palghar, Bhiwandi, Thane, Mumbai North, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai North-East, Mumbai North-Central, Mumbai South-Central, and Mumbai South.

Out of the 48 parliamentary seats in the state, the BJP is contesting in 28, the Shiv Sena in 15, the NCP in four, and Rashtriya Samaj Paksha in one. The Chief Minister has affirmed that there are no internal disagreements within the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, the Shiv Sena, and the NCP under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, regarding the distribution of Lok Sabha seats among the allies.

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