Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 5 (ANI): Congress leader Nitin Raut has lodged a formal complaint with the State Election Commission against BJP leader Ashish Shelar, accusing him of making 'communal and misleading' remarks intended to 'create rift between communities' and 'polarise votes' in the upcoming local body elections.

In the letter dated November 4, 2025, addressed to the State Election Commissioner, MLA Nitin Raut alleged that senior BJP leader Ashish Shelar made 'a highly objectionable and legally impermissible statement' during a press conference held on November 2, 2025.

According to MLA Raut's complaint, BJP leader Ashish Shelar claimed there were '8,342 duplicate Muslim votes in North Nagpur,' a remark which, he said, 'targets a particular religious community and promotes hatred and division on communal lines.'

He further added that the comments were not only 'an attempt at religious appeasement and polarisation' but also 'undermine the neutrality and integrity of the Election Commission, as voter registration and verification fall exclusively under the Commission's jurisdiction.'

Citing legal provisions, the complainant argues that Shelar's remarks amount to a violation of Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prohibits the use of religion, race, caste, or community for electoral gain. Raut urged the Election Commission to 'initiate stringent action' against Shelar for what he described as a clear breach of the Model Code of Conduct and election laws.

'Election Commission of Maharashtra to take immediate cognisance of the statement made by Shri Ashish Shelar and initiate stringent action against him to create a precedent for the public at large', Raut wrote.

He further demanded that EC initiate legal proceedings under the relevant provision of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Raut also requested the EC to issue directions to all political parties to refrain from making communal statements during the election period.

Maharashtra is set to hold local body polls on December 2. (ANI)