Midnight Drama at Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Mill Election

The election for the Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Mill in Pune district has turned contentious as accusations of malpractice surface. The group led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is accused of irregularities after a bank he controls was reportedly open until midnight.

The contest, which sees NCP chief Ajit Pawar face off against his uncle, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, has become a high-stakes political battle. The Sahakar Bachav panel, headed by Ranjan Tawre, lodged a complaint alleging that the bank's late-night operation was linked to voter list manipulation.

Supriya Sule, NCP (SP) MP and Sharad Pawar's daughter, has called for a special investigation team to examine the incident. The election officer confirmed receiving the complaint and has forwarded it for further investigation to ensure adherence to election code of conduct.

(With inputs from agencies.)