Congress Collected Rs 700 Crore From Karnataka Liquor Shops For Maharashtra Polls 2024: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while campaigning for the BJP-led NDA in Maharashtra, accused the Congress of collecting up to Rs 700 crore from liquor shop owners in Karnataka. Speaking at an election rally in Akola on November 9, he claimed that states governed by Congress, such as Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, act as "ATMs" for the Congress "royal family."

PM Modi further alleged that the ongoing elections in Maharashtra have led to increased "vasooli" or recovery activities in Karnataka and Telangana. He stated, "People are saying that these days, in the name of elections in Maharashtra, the 'vasooli' (recovery) in Karnataka has doubled, elections are in Maharashtra and recovery has doubled in (neighbouring Congress-ruled states of) Karnataka and Telangana."

Maha Vikas Aghadi Criticism

Taking a jab at the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, which includes Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP), PM Modi remarked that the alliance is widely known for its corruption. He said it is associated with multi-crore scams, extortion schemes, and token money practices. According to him, it has become synonymous with scandals involving transfer-posting rackets and loot.

Election Details

The nomination papers of 7,994 candidates across Maharashtra's 288 assembly constituencies were deemed valid after scrutiny by election officials. However, 921 candidates' nominations were found invalid. The polling for these constituencies is scheduled for November 20, with results expected on November 23.

The main contenders for power include the ruling Mahayuti alliance consisting of BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP. They face opposition from the Maha Vikas Aghadi comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). Smaller parties and independents are also participating in this electoral battle.