A 'Save Democracy' march has been organized in Pimpri-Chinchwad, raising questions about transparency in the election process. Former MLA Gautam Chabukswar has accused the Jagtap family and MLA Anna Bansode of winning elections through a 'machine scam', according to News PCMC. According to Chabukswar, the late MLA Laxman Jagtap won the 2019 Chinchwad assembly election by approximately 38,000 votes. His wife, Ashwini Jagtap, won the 2023 Chinchwad by-election by approximately 36,000 votes, while his brother, Shankar Jagtap, won the 2024 assembly election by more than 1,00,000 votes. Chabukswar also alleged that the current Pimpri MLA, Anna Bansode, won the election through a 'machine scam'.
Against the backdrop of these allegations, the Pimpri-Chinchwad India Alliance, civil society groups, and progressive organizations have planned a 'Save Democracy' march for Thursday, October 8. The march was announced at a press conference held in Pimpri on Monday. The purpose of this march is to highlight concerns regarding transparency in the election process, News PCMC reported. The organizers stated that changes in voter lists, questions about eligible voters' names, and the Special Summary Revision (SSR) campaign have created confusion among citizens.
The march will commence from the Vitthal Temple in Akurdi village and proceed to the Tehsildar office in Nigdi. During the march, demands will be made for an independent and impartial inquiry into the functioning of the Election Commission. Additionally, the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will be demanded. There will also be a call for Gyanesh Kumar to be removed from his post and for legal action to be taken against him. The march will also demand the cancellation of the SSR campaign and the restoration of transparent, impartial, and independent functioning of the Election Commission. A separate review of key decisions made during Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's tenure will also be demanded. The organizers have appealed to constituent parties of the India Alliance, social activists, representatives of civil society, and pro-democracy citizens to participate in this march. News PCMC noted that the Jagtap family and Anna Bansode have not yet responded to these allegations.
