MPCC Seeks Action Against Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar Over Alleged MCC Violations in BMC Polls

The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Friday wrote to State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, seeking strict action against Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar and candidates allegedly supported by him for purported violations of the Model Code of Conduct during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

In its complaint, the Congress alleged that the Speaker misused his constitutional position to influence the election process and pressured officials to prevent opposition candidates from filing nomination papers. The party said such actions undermined the principle of free and fair elections and amounted to a serious assault on democracy.

According to the letter dated January 2, 2026, the MPCC claimed that during the nomination process in Mumbai’s Colaba Assembly constituency, opposition candidates contesting from wards 225, 226 and 227 were threatened and obstructed from filing their nomination papers. The party alleged that the incidents took place around 5 pm while nominations were being accepted and that police personnel were used to carry out the intimidation at the Speaker’s behest.

The Congress further pointed out that three close relatives of Rahul Narvekar — his brother Makarand Narvekar and sisters Gauraki Shivtarkar and Harshada Narvekar — have filed nomination papers as BJP candidates from the same wards. It alleged that the Speaker was present during the filing of these nominations, raising concerns over conflict of interest and misuse of influence.

The MPCC also accused around 70 officers and employees from the Speaker’s office of actively participating in the election campaigns of these candidates. It argued that the involvement of government staff in political campaigning constitutes a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct and election laws.

The Congress demanded that a formal case be registered against the Speaker for alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct and obstruction of the electoral process. It also sought immediate action against the officers and employees involved, including their removal from election-related duties and initiation of proceedings for code violations.

Urging the State Election Commission to act decisively, the MPCC said firm action was necessary to uphold the rule of law and demonstrate the independence and authority of the election machinery in Maharashtra.