Shiv Sena ministers and legislators staged protests in the Maharashtra assembly premises, demanding action against a police superintendent for allegedly helping the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Satara district council chief election.
The BJP won the election despite the Sena-National Congress Party (NCP) combine having the majority, with some cross-voting and two NCP members arrested on kidnapping charges.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde lamented the 'murder of democracy' and said he was an eyewitness to the developments, contacting the police chief to ensure all council members could vote.
Shinde alleged that two NCP members were prevented from voting despite assurances, and that the police superintendent and chief had assured him they would be allowed to vote.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promised an investigation and action based on its findings.
The legislative council deputy chairperson suspended the police superintendent and 100 other police personnel for allegedly manhandling NCP ministers.
