Pawar courts controversy over 'bogus voting' remark

In potentially controversial remarks, Union Minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar today asked his party workers to take advantage of the multi-phase polling in the state by voting twice, first at their hometowns and then at places of work.

"Last time (in 2009), the polling in Satara and Mumbai was on the same day and people went to their hometowns. But this time, polling in Satara is on April 17 and here on April 24," Pawar said, addressing a gathering of "mathadi" workers (head loaders) who hail from that district in Western Maharashtra.

"Vote for the clock (NCP symbol) there (in Satara) and come back to vote for the clock here as well," he said, to loud laughs at the gathering held in the APMC market here.

Pawar, the student union activist-turned-national leader, however, warned voters to take necessary precautions.

"Do erase the ink mark which will be put when you vote first," he said.

The NCP chief's remarks came a day after his party MLC Dhananjay Munde disclosed that in the 2009 polls, he had at the behest of his now estranged uncle and BJP leader Gopinath Munde, facilitated bogus voting in Beed district.

"However, this time I will ensure that there is no bogus voting (in favour of my uncle)," Dhananjay had said.