MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena, alleging that the group, which he termed the "Gulabo Gang, " has announced "Lakshmi Darshan" (distribution of money) for local body elections scheduled for December 2.
He alleged that in several areas, voters were being offered amounts ranging from Rs 10, 000 to Rs 15, 000.
“The Election Commission should take cognisance of this. Never before have municipal corporation and municipal council elections seen such money power at play in Maharashtra, " he claimed.
Raut pointed out that traditionally, municipal elections were fought at the local level, but now five to six helicopters and private aircraft are being deployed.