Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, a controversy erupted as former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s bags were inspected twice by election officials—first in Yavatmal and then in Latur. Thackeray, visibly irked, questioned the election officers' motives, suggesting that these checks were politically motivated to target opposition leaders. Addressing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Thackeray sarcastically remarked, “Mindhe, keep my bag with you and accompany me everywhere. Don’t steal my clothes like you stole my party.”

The incident sparked further reactions, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders questioning the fairness of these inspections, given that similar checks were reportedly not conducted on ruling party leaders. Thackeray even demanded that bags of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah be inspected during their campaign visits to Maharashtra.

The Election Commission, however, defended the checks as part of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Model Code of Conduct, intended to prevent the distribution of cash and gifts. Thackeray’s frustrations were echoed by other opposition leaders, including NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who labeled it as “low-level politics.” Meanwhile, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s helicopter was also subjected to a search in Latur, following Thackeray’s allegations of targeted scrutiny.

Shiv Sena (UBT) shared a video of Thackeray questioning officials about the repeated checks, asking for their names and appointment letters, while inquiring, “Why am I always the first customer?” The incident has intensified political tensions, with leaders from Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) claiming the checks were deliberate attempts to hassle opposition figures.

Sanjay Raut, a prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, also criticized the Election Commission, alleging that Mahayuti alliance leaders were exempt from such scrutiny, asking if their bags contained “only underwear” or hidden cash. With assembly polls set for November 20, these incidents have added to the mounting political drama in Maharashtra.