Cash Seizures and Bribery Allegations Mark Maharashtra Civic Polls Amid Tensions

Ahead of Maharashtra's civic polls, authorities seized over Rs 7 crore in cash, liquor, and narcotics across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region amid widespread allegations of cash-for-votes distribution. Rival parties, including factions of Shiv Sena and BJP, accused each other of bribery, with reports of door-to-door cash handouts and related tensions. Election officials intensified monitoring efforts, while political leaders raised concerns about administrative neutrality and election conduct as voting commenced in 29 municipal corporations.