Shiv Sena leader alleges rival used religion for votes in Mumbai civic body polls, files case

Shiv Sena leader Trushna Vishwasrao, who lost the recently held BMC elections to Congress’ Sufiyan Vanu, has filed a case demanding Vanu’s disqualification.

Shiv Sena leader Trushna Vishwasrao, who lost the recently held BMC elections to Congress’ Sufiyan Vanu, has filed a case demanding Vanu’s disqualification.

Trushna Vishwasrao lost to the Congress’ Sufiyan Vanu. (HT)

The Sena leader has alleged the first-time corporator violated the election code of conduct.

She also alleged Vanu had circulated messages on social media, suggesting she was involved in the 1993 riots in the city. Vishwasrao confirmed the court admitted the case and said the hearing was on April 11. “My area (Antop Hill) did not witness any untoward incident during the riots. Still, he (Vanu) has spread wrong messages on social media suggesting my involvement, which ate into my vote share. He should be disqualified for seeking votes on religious lines.” In January 2017, the Supreme Court outlawed seeking votes in the name of religion, caste, race, community or language. It said candidates could not seek votes in the name of religion, caste, race, community or language.

Vishwasrao is Sena vibhag pramukh and the former leader of the house who lost to Vanu by 127 votes from ward number 179 in Wadala. She has now been elected as a nominated councillor in BMC by the party.

Vanu, however, denied all allegations. He said it was Vishwasrao who used a religious tone to garner votes. “I have videos where Vishwasrao has sought votes on religious lines.”

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