A controversy has erupted during the nomination process for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections after Assembly Speaker and BJP MLA from Colaba, Rahul Narvekar, was accused of threatening former MP and ex-MLA Haribhau Rathod while the latter attempted to file his nomination papers.
According to Rathod, the incident occurred on December 30, the last day for filing nominations, when he reached the election office to submit his papers for Ward A and B, covering Prabhag 223–224 and 225–227. A video that surfaced later allegedly captures Narvekar issuing threats to Rathod, triggering sharp reactions from the opposition.
On the same day, several members of the Narvekar family filed their nomination papers from the Colaba constituency. Narvekar’s brother Makarand Narvekar, sister Gauravi Shivlakar and sister-in-law Harshada Narvekar submitted their forms for wards 225, 226 and 227, with Rahul Narvekar present during the process.
Rathod alleged that even after 5 pm, when nomination filing was still underway, other candidates were prevented from submitting their papers. He claimed that the police stopped several aspirants under pressure allegedly exerted by the Narvekar family, effectively blocking rival candidates from contesting.
Terming the episode “unconstitutional”, Rathod said it was unacceptable conduct from a person holding a constitutional post such as the Assembly Speaker. He has filed a formal complaint with the Municipal Commissioner and the State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare.
Rathod further claimed that Narvekar contacted the Joint Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, and sought the withdrawal of his security cover, despite having no authority to do so in the case of former or sitting MPs and MLAs.
Reacting to the allegations, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the charges were serious and deserved scrutiny. He pointed out that Narvekar, being the Assembly Speaker and a legal expert, was expected to maintain neutrality. “It is unprecedented for a Speaker to personally accompany family members for filing nominations. Such actions raise serious questions about fairness in the electoral process,” Raut said.
In connection with the matter, the Commission has sought a report from the Municipal Commissioner. It has also asked for the CCTV footage of the incident that took place in Colaba.
