Maharashtra Elections Rocked by Violence: 2 Murders, 3 Attacks Mar Municipal Polls

• Maharashtra's municipal elections, held after an eight-year gap, are marred by unprecedented violence, dubbed 'jungle raj'.
• The state has been shaken by two murders and three fatal attacks during the intense election campaign.
• MNS leader Balasaheb Sarvade was murdered in Solapur over a nomination withdrawal dispute; a BJP candidate is among those arrested.
• Former corporator Mangesh Kalokhe was brutally murdered in Khopoli, with political motives alleged and NCP members named by an MLA.
• MIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel faced an attack in Sambhajinagar, while Shiv Sena candidate Haji Salin Qureshi was stabbed in Bandra, Mumbai, and Hidayat Patel murdered in Akola.

Why It Matters: Maharashtra's municipal elections are stained by severe violence, raising concerns about democratic integrity.