Harshvardhan Sapkal : Is Democracy in Danger? Complaint Against Rahul Narvekar, Sapkal Criticizes BJP-Election Commission
The political atmosphere has heated up even before the municipal elections in the state have begun, with Congress state president Harshvardhan Sapkal launching direct and serious allegations against Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar. Sapkal has firmly demanded that a case be registered against Rahul Narvekar for intimidating workers, interfering in the election process, and misusing authority in a manner that benefits the ruling party. Voting for the elections of 29 municipal corporations in the state will take place on January 15, 2026, and against this backdrop, Sapkal has also strongly criticized the BJP and the Election Commission. “The commission is currently behaving recklessly because it is certain that no concrete action will be taken against it,” he alleged.
‘Shameless Use of Special Powers’
Harshvardhan Sapkal said that the special powers given to the Speaker of the Assembly are meant for impartiality; however, Rahul Narwekar is openly violating them. “Narwekar is guilty on all three levels: financial corruption, constitutional corruption, and misuse of the system. Therefore, the President should immediately dismiss him,” he demanded.
‘Attack on Free and Fair Elections’
Stating that the second phase of elections is currently underway in the state, Sapkal alleged that the very concept of free and fair elections is being undermined. “Money was thrown in municipal elections and a mockery of democracy was witnessed. The saying ‘Money is bigger than father or brother’ is being realized today,” he criticized. Elections are a festival of democracy, and candidates should seek votes, not through threats or money, he emphasized.
‘BJP's Horse Trading Already Started’
Accusing the BJP of starting horse trading even before the municipal elections, Sapkal said, “The hunger for power has increased so much that these people are out to swallow democracy. BJP has entered the municipalities with shameless character. We publicly condemn this conspiracy.” He clarified that this fight is to save the constitution and healthy democracy. “The Election Commission has become a silent witness to the game of money. If we do not become cautious in time, notes will become bigger than democracy,” he also warned.
‘Intimidation, Missing CCTV, and Pressure on Officials’
While speaking about the alleged irregularities in the election process, Sapkal made serious allegations. “Even after giving tokens, applications were not accepted. Because Rahul Narvekar himself goes there and intimidates. The CCTV footage after four in the afternoon was made to disappear,” he claimed. “Just like a thug threatens, the Speaker of the Assembly is behaving the same way. Their office has been filled with hooligan-minded and corrupt officials,” he alleged, also questioning the role of the Election Commission.
‘Constitutional positions should be non-partisan’
President, Governor, and Assembly Speaker are all constitutional positions, and after being elected, they should not maintain any relationship with the party, said Sapkal, “Narvekar used the anti-defection law for the benefit of the ruling party. This is a murder of the constitution. That is why he was reappointed as the speaker.”
Warning of Protest
Accusing the Election Commission of not providing a satisfactory response despite complaints, Sapkal said the commission is playing a delaying game by saying, “Provide evidence, then we'll see.” “Only after we protested were orders for an inquiry given and officials found guilty. Yet, why is the commission silent?” he questioned. These allegations made by the Congress on the eve of municipal elections are intensifying the political struggle in the state, and there are signs that the conflict between the ruling party and the opposition will increase further on this issue in the coming period.