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By-election candidate alleges he's being threatened

An independent candidate for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation by-election, who is contesting from the Yerwada jail in Pune, has alleged that ''tremendous pressure'' is being exerted on him to withdraw his nomination.

M K Madhvi has been detained under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act for the last one year. Madhvi is contesting from ward number 19 at Airoli. The seat fell vacant when independent corporator Pappu Sawant was murdered.

Madhvi alleged that Congress candidate Tanaji Patil visited him to ask for his withdrawal. However, he refused, telling him that his family, friends and well-wishers wanted him to contest and he would work for his ward even if he lost the election.

Speaking about his detention, Madhvi said he was surprised that he was being held despite having no case pending against him anywhere.

The NMMC will hold two by-elections -- at Airoli and Chinchpada on Saturday. The Chinchpada election was necessitated due to Nagri Vikas Aghadi corporator Seema's death. She was allegedly burnt over a dispute.

UNI

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