Uddhav Thackeray NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India on Tuesday responded to allegations of selective frisking by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and said the enforcement agencies were following strict SOPs to ensure level-playing field for all parties. "Aircraft and helicopters of top leaders across political spectrum are checked as part of standard operating procedure (SOP)," said sources in the Election Commission, according to news agency PTI. "There have been strict SOPs followed by enforcement agencies for a level playing field.
During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a similar issue was raised in Bihar and it was clarified that the helicopters of prominent leaders, including Nadda was checked in district Bhagalpur on April 24 and Shah in district Katihar on April 21 were also checked as per SOP," the sources pointed out. The sources also recalled the statement of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar during the announcement of ongoing assembly elections that directions have been given to the enforcement agencies to ensure checking of helicopters of all leaders for a level playing field. Uddhav had on Monday claimed that his bag was inspected by election authorities when he arrived in Maharashtra's Yavatmal to campaign for the November 20 assembly elections.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) had posted on X a video Thackeray recorded while poll officials were checking his bags on his arrival in Yavatmal. Also Read: Uddhav Thackeray's verbal spat with election officials.