Vinayak Raut’s Election Petition Lacks Basic Facts And Materials: BJP MP Narayan Rane Seeks Dismissal

Mumbai: BJP MP Narayan Rane has filed an application seeking dismissal of the Election Petition filed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinayak Raut seeking cancellation of Rane’s election from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency. Raut’s plea alleged that the MP and his campaign workers had resorted to “corrupt and illegal practices” to secure a win.

Rane’s application filed through Advocate Satish Maneshinde contends that the election petition is defective and lacks basic materials and facts, rendering it unsustainable. It emphasizes that election results should not be “lightly interfered with” and any challenge must strictly comply with mandatory legal provisions.

The application highlights that Raut’s petition lacks specifics, such as the time, place, and people involved in the alleged incidents, making it devoid of cause of action. Moreover, the allegations are vague and no names or details are provided about those allegedly distributing money.

Apart from these, there is failure to verify documents and also defective translation is attached with the petition. “The Applicant (Raut) states that it is well settled that the success of a candidate who has won at an election should not be lightly interfered with,” the application reads, asserting that the petition “amounts to there being no Election Petition in the eyes of law.”

Raut’s petition, filed through Advocate Asim Sarode, alleges Rane’s supporters bribed voters and continued campaigning after the statutory 48-hour silence period before the election. It also accuses Rane’s son, MLA Nitesh Rane, of threatening voters during an April 13 rally, which Raut claims undermined free and fair elections.

The petition seeks Rane’s election to be annulled and a re-election ordered. It also calls for an independent probe into a video purportedly showing Rane’s supporters distributing money to voters. Elections for the constituency were held on May 7, 2019, with Rane securing 4,48,514 votes, defeating Raut by 47,858 votes.