MNS Alleges Monetary Bribery in BEST Credit Society Elections

Mumbai, Aug 18 (PTI): Sandeep Deshpande, a prominent figure from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), leveled allegations against his opponents on Monday, accusing them of distributing money in the ongoing election for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) credit society. This society is overseen by the Shiv Sena (UBT), in alliance with the MNS.

The election, happening today, involves the BEST credit society, whose members are employees of the BEST undertaking—a public body providing civic transport and electricity. Speculation is rife about a potential alliance between Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's MNS for upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra.

Deshpande, through a video on platform X, claimed a pamphlet was distributed containing an envelope with two Rs 500 notes, accusing his rivals of utilizing this tactic to purchase votes. He announced plans to file an official complaint with the election officer.

The 'Utkarsh panel', a collaboration between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, is contesting the BEST credit society elections, comprising 21 members—18 from the Shiv Sena (UBT), two from the MNS, and one representative from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes association.

Leaders from both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have admitted the latter’s limited influence in the BEST but view this election as a strategic arena for both parties to unite, setting the stage for the forthcoming local body polls.