“Uday Samant Deploys Government Machinery for His Wife”: Sushma Andhare Slams Minister Following Vijay Patkar’s Allegations

A major controversy has erupted over the upcoming elections of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal (All India Marathi Film Corporation). Following allegations by veteran actor Vijay Patkar that he was prevented from filing his nomination, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare has launched a direct attack on Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Uday Samant.

The Chitrapat Mahamandal elections, which are being held after a gap of ten years, are currently witnessing high-voltage drama. The candidacy of actress Neelam Shirke-Samant has sparked intense speculation about political infiltration into the cultural body.

Veteran actor Vijay Patkar previously alleged that a state minister was attempting to establish political dominance over the corporation. “If Neelam Shirke wants to become the president, let her be. But why was I prevented from even filing my nomination paper?” Patkar questioned. While he initially remarked that he was unsure if the political interference was coming directly from Uday Samant, Sushma Andhare has now explicitly named the minister.

Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account, Andhare accused Samant of abusing his official position:

“The entire government machinery has been deployed to ensure the election of Neelam Uday Samant in the Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal elections. Information is emerging that an incredibly senior actor like Vijay Patkar was stopped from filing his nomination, which is extremely serious. It is fine if politicians carry themselves like actors, but it is deeply unfortunate when politicians begin capturing the artistic spaces belonging rightfully to actors.”

What are Vijay Patkar’s Exact Allegations?

Expressing his anger over the situation, Patkar questioned the heavy-handed presence of political staff at the election venue in Kolhapur. A minister’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) has been camping in Kolhapur for the past four days, exerting immense pressure on people. On behalf of the minister, this individual is dictating who is allowed to contest and who is not.”

“I fail to understand if this minister and his OSD have finished all their legislative work in the Vidhan Bhavan, leaving them free to pitch tents at the film corporation. We have been in this industry for the last 40 years. Do we ever interfere in their politics? Why do they need to come here?”

The administrative battle has set up a high-profile showdown for control of the body. Outgoing director and veteran actress Varsha Usgaonkar has decided to contest the elections once again, while actress Neelam Shirke-Samant has stepped up as the primary challenger against her.