Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday that he was surprised that leaders who claimed they were approached by people offering help to influence polls never complained to the police or the Election Commission.He accused these leaders of "making up" stories.On Saturday, NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar claimed two individuals had met him in New Delhi before the 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls and "guaranteed" the Opposition's victory in 160 of 288 constituencies. Pawar added that he introduced the duo to Rahul Gandhi, who said the Opposition shouldn't get involved in such things.Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, echoing Pawar, claimed two people had also met Uddhav Thackeray ahead of the Maharashtra assembly polls in 2024 and promised to ensure victory "through EVMs" in 60-65 tricky seats.Insulting the mandateTalking to reporters, Fadnavis said, "I am surprised that some people approach political leaders with offers to influence elections and they (leaders) do nothing. They don't complain to the police or the Election Commission. This is all about making up stories." When the Election Commission asked political parties to show how EVMs can be hacked, no one came forward, Fadnavis further asserted."The Opposition should stop insulting the mandate given to the Mahayuti government," Fadnavis added.The Mahayuti decimated the Opposition in the November 2024 assembly polls, with the BJP winning 132 seats in the 288-member House. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 57 seats, and Ajit Pawar's NCP 41. Published - August 10, 2025 09:24 pm IST