Sanjay Raut Slams Maharashtra BJP Chief for Alleged Model Code Violation During Voting

Mumbai: Political tensions in Maharashtra intensified during voting for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, as Uddhav Thackeray’s close aide Sanjay Raut accused BJP state president Ravindra Chavan of violating the Model Code of Conduct.

Raut took to social media to attack Chavan, saying that the BJP chief “went to cast his vote wearing a lungi with a lotus symbol on his chest.” He questioned the role of the Election Commission, asking whether it was “asleep or compromised” in taking action against the alleged violation.

The controversy arose when Chavan, along with his family, voted on Thursday morning at a polling station in Dombivli. Photographs and video footage showed him wearing the BJP election symbol prominently on his chest, an act Raut called a breach of electoral rules. “The BJP state president has clearly violated the code, and action must be taken against him,” Raut wrote.

So far, Ravindra Chavan has not publicly responded to these allegations. Previously, when Raut had criticized him, Chavan had issued a rebuttal.

Background of the Controversy

The political storm traces back to remarks by Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai, who had sparked debate by calling Mumbai an “international city” rather than part of Maharashtra. Following this, Raj Thackeray warned that “lessons would be taught” to those wearing lungis. Ravindra Chavan had explained that he wore a lungi due to an injury but went ahead to vote wearing it.

The results of the Mumbai BMC elections, along with the other 28 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, are scheduled to be announced on 16 January 2026.