Clash breaks out between Shiv Sena and BJP workers at Muktainagar polling booth
Muktainagar
A dispute between Shiv Sena and BJP workers at a Muktainagar polling station disrupted voting and triggered police action during Maharashtra’s local-body elections.
Muktainagar (Jalgaon), December 2, 2025 – Voting in the local-body elections at a polling centre in Muktainagar was disrupted after workers from Shiv Sena and the BJP clashed on Tuesday. The argument between the two groups escalated into a physical fight, forcing officials to halt polling for a short time until police brought the situation under control.
According to early reports, tension had been building since morning as both groups accused each other of interfering with voters and trying to influence the polling process. Witnesses said heated exchanges quickly turned aggressive, leading to the assault of a BJP worker. Officers posted at the centre intervened, separated the groups and informed senior authorities.
Police arrived soon after and registered a preliminary case based on the complaint from the BJP side. The injured worker was taken for medical attention and later described the incident as a targeted attack by Sena workers. Shiv Sena members, however, denied the accusations and claimed they were provoked first. Both parties have demanded a full investigation.
Polling officials briefly suspended voting to prevent further disturbance. The crowd was dispersed, the area was secured, and additional police personnel were deployed. Once order was restored, voting resumed without further incident. Officials said they would submit a detailed report to the election commission on the conduct of both groups and the steps taken to maintain neutrality at the booth.
The clash has drawn wider attention because ground-level rivalry between the Sena and BJP has intensified in recent weeks. Although the parties share power at the state level, disputes between local cadres have surfaced repeatedly during these elections. Earlier incidents in nearby districts had already raised concerns about whether the polls would remain peaceful.
Local residents who witnessed the scuffle said it created fear among voters waiting in line. Some stepped back from the booth until police confirmed it was safe to return. A few citizens urged administrators to increase security presence during future elections to avoid similar disruptions, especially in places where political competition is intense.
Senior police officers said the situation is under control and assured voters that action will be taken against anyone found responsible. They are recording statements from polling staff, onlookers and party workers to establish the sequence of events. CCTV footage from the surroundings is also being reviewed.
Election officials noted that while the clash caused a temporary pause, the overall voting process in the region remained smooth. They emphasised that polling staff followed procedure and that security measures would be strengthened if needed.
As the investigation continues, the Muktainagar incident serves as another reminder of how fiercely contested local-body elections have become across Maharashtra. With political stakes high and party workers active on the ground, authorities now face greater pressure to maintain peace and ensure that voters can exercise their rights without intimidation.
