Swara Bhasker lashes out after husband Fahad Ahmad’s defeat to Sana Malik: ‘99% of batteries vote for BJP’

Maharashtra Elections 2024: Bollywood actress and political commentator Swara Bhasker questioned the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of seats in the Anushakti Nagar assembly.

Swara Bhasker told supported NCP-Ajit Pawar candidate leadership How could the batteries of the voting machines be 99% charged ALL day long? Why are all the batteries 99% charged? and votes for his allies (sic)?”

The statement came after her husband and NCP (SP) candidate Fahad Ahmad lost to NCP (Ajit Pawar) candidate Sana Mallik in Anushakti Nagar Assembly Constituency.

Fahad Ahmad called for recount

Swara Bhasker’s tweet came after a tense moment in the Anushakti Nagar seat race, where NCP (Ajit Pawar) candidate Sana Malik, daughter of prominent politician Nawab Malik, emerged victorious.

However, in the earlier rounds of counting, NCP-SP candidate Fahad Ahmed was seen to be leading steadily, but this situation reversed dramatically after the 17th, 18th and 19th rounds.

Fahad Ahmad claimed that after the 16th round, EVMs with 99 percent battery charge suddenly opened and the NCP candidate started lagging behind, while the BJP-backed NCP-Ajit Pawar candidate came ahead.

“After a steady lead in the 16th round and all the rounds, 99% charged EVM machines were switched on and the BJP-backed NCP Ajit Pawar candidate took the lead,” Ahmad said.

In his statement, Fahad Ahmed demanded a recount of the votes cast in the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th rounds, citing irregularities in the EVMs. Their objections sparked a broader debate on EVM reliability, especially in light of the sudden shift in voting patterns.

Mahayuti Rising Towards Landslide Victory

In the larger context of the Maharashtra assembly elections, the Mahayuti alliance comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP has crossed the critical majority mark as counting continues.

As of 2.15pm, Mahayuti had secured eight seats and was leading in more than 200 constituencies, consolidating their dominant position.

The BJP scripted history by securing leadership in over 100 seats; This is a feat the Congress achieved only in 1990.

The BJP’s celebrations continued in full swing with sweets being delivered to the homes of important leaders, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

CM Shinde Comments on Position of Maharashtra CM

As the results started to favor Mahayuti, CM Shinde made a strategic statement stating that the decision on the Prime Minister’s position would be taken collectively by the Mahayuti alliance leaders after the final results came.

“Let the final results be declared… then, just like we fought the elections together, all three parties will sit together and take a decision (on who will be the CM),” Shinde said. This highlights the united front of the alliance, even though the leadership issue remains unresolved for now.

Celebrations at Eknath Shinde’s Residence

Celebrations broke out at CM Shinde’s residence in Thane; here Shiv Sena workers and family members gathered in anticipation of a landslide victory. Shinde’s son, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, also joined the euphoria and praised voters for their overwhelming support.

Highlighting the strategic campaign that led to the superior performance of the alliance, Shrikant Shinde said, “We achieved very good numbers as we expected. I thank all the voters who stood behind Mahayuti and delivered this landslide victory.” he said.