By: Express News ServiceMumbai | November 4, 2025 02:28 AM IST 3 min readFormer Congress minister Nitin Raut has urged Election Commission to take immediate action against BJP Minister Ashish Shelar for alleging there were duplicate Muslim voters.“Today, Ashish Shelar, addressing a press conference, mentioned North Nagpur and presented data claiming there are 8,342 ‘duplicate Muslim votes’, while also naming me. This is nothing but a cheap political stunt aimed at diverting the public’s attention from real issues,” Nitin Raut said.In a statement issued on Monday, Nitin Raut said, “This accusation is not only a political propaganda but also a deliberate attempt to divide society along religious lines and engage in pre-election communal appeasement.”“In fact, the preparation of the voters’ list falls under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission. If, as Shelar claims, ‘vote theft’ is taking place, then it is happening under the BJP government’s rule — which means he has openly admitted to wrongdoing and theft occurring under his own government,” Raut said.“This, in essence, validates Rahul Gandhi’s ongoing ‘vote chori ‘campaign—and Shelar has, in a way, confirmed it,” he said.The Congress leader said, “I belong to a party that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is trying to wipe out from the country. Yet, according to Shelar, I can somehow alter my constituency’s voters’ list at will. Does this not go against the very principles and teachings of Shri Narendra Modi himself?”“If, being in the opposition, I can manipulate the voters’ list of my constituency to include names I want, then according to Shelar’s logic, the BJP—being in power—can easily change voters’ lists in any constituency across Maharashtra. Ultimately, this becomes their own confession,” he said.Story continues below this ad“Every time Dalits, Muslims, OBCs and other marginalized citizens unite and raise their voice against the injustice of those in power, the BJP brands it as ‘jihad.’ This clearly shows that BJP never views voters as citizens, but only through the lens of religion and caste.What is more serious is that Shelar’s statement falls under Sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which classify such remarks as promoting hatred or seeking votes on religious grounds.“The Election Commission has both the constitutional authority and duty to act against such statements,” he said.“The question then arises—When BJP ministers themselves make statements invoking religion in the context of votes, why does the Election Commission remain silent? Is the Election Commission in this country truly impartial and faithful to the Constitution?” Raut argued.Story continues below this adTherefore, he said, “I demand that the Election Commission immediately take cognizance of Shelar’s statement, initiate a formal inquiry, and take appropriate legal action.”“The people of North Nagpur are constitutional citizens, not religious subjects. They will stand united against injustice and protect the Constitution,” he added.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd