Jalna (Maharashtra): Counting of votes is underway for the 29th municipal elections in the state. Meanwhile, Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case, has won the Jalna Municipal Corporation election. Shrikant Pangarkar contested the election from Ward Number 13 as an independent candidate. After registering the victory, he celebrated with his supporters. He was seen dancing to the beat of drums and celebrating his victory with great enthusiasm, showered with flowers.
Victory Sparks Debate in Political Circles
Shrikant Pangarkar, who contested as an independent candidate from Ward Number 13, secured 2,621 votes and won the election. Candidates from various political parties, including the BJP, were in the fray in this ward. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena did not field a candidate in this ward.
Shrikant Pangarkar had previously served as a corporator in the Jalna Municipal Council from 2001 to 2006 on a Shiv Sena ticket. After not receiving a ticket in 2011, he joined the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. Pangarkar’s victory after the election results has sparked a debate in political circles.
What Shrikant Pangarkar Said
In August 2018, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested him in a case involving the seizure of explosives and weapons. He was booked under various sections, including the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act). Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court granted bail to Shrikant Pangarkar in the Gauri Lankesh murder case in September 2024. The case is currently pending in court. Reacting to his victory, Shrikant Pangarkar said, “I have received justice in the court of the people. The allegations against me have not yet been proven.”
What is the Gauri Lankesh Murder Case?
Journalist Gauri Lankesh was murdered on September 5, 2017. She was shot dead outside her residence in Bengaluru. She was shot in the chest and head and died on the spot. Gauri Lankesh’s murder resonated throughout the country. She was a woman of rationalist ideology. Following her assassination, journalists and intellectuals peacefully expressed their strong protest and anger.
