Shirdi, Jan. 4 -- Ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in 2026, Congress leader Nana Patole has alleged widespread pressure tactics and inducements in Maharashtra, claiming that the democratic process is being undermined.

Patole said that incidents of coercion have surfaced during the withdrawal of nominations, and in some places, murders have also taken place. He added that complaints regarding forced withdrawals have been submitted to the Election Commission, which has assured that the matter will be investigated.

Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of fostering a culture of intimidation, Nana Patole said, "You must have seen that pressure tactics and politics of inducement have begun in Maharashtra, a...