Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash / Representative Image
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently taken significant steps to ensure that preparations for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections as well as the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 are moving smoothly. During a meeting with senior officials, the ECI asked for updates on First Information Reports (FIRs) related to electoral offences filed during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This request was specifically directed at the Superintendents of Police (SPs) across various districts in Maharashtra.
Focus on Electoral Offences
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Rajiv Kumar played an active role in this review meeting. According to sources, he stressed the importance of monitoring all cases involving election personnel, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and even social media activity. With the growing influence of digital platforms, the CEC emphasized that swift action should be taken against fake news or misinformation circulating on social media. This step is seen as critical to maintaining the credibility of the electoral process.
Advancing Legal Actions
The CEC did not stop there. He instructed the State Police Nodal Officers to ensure that all cases from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are processed and concluded without delay. Any signs of leniency in handling these cases, the CEC implied would not be tolerated. The focus here was on ensuring that those responsible for electoral offences are held accountable as quickly as possible, demonstrating the Commission's firm stance on upholding election laws.
Improving Polling Station Conditions
During the same meeting, Rajiv Kumar turned his attention towards improving the experience for voters on election day. He ordered District Election Officers (DEOs) and SPs to make sure that polling stations are well-equipped with basic amenities. This includes adequate seating arrangements for those standing in queues, drinking water facilities and proper management of parking in congested areas. The CEC also asked officials to personally visit the polling stations to inspect the facilities and ensure they are up to the required standard.
Additionally, where multiple polling stations are set up in a single location, proper signage and directions must be displayed clearly, so that voters can easily navigate the area and reach their designated booths.
Addressing Personnel Concerns in Mumbai
The ECI team led by CEC Rajiv Kumar, was in Mumbai for a two-day visit to assess the state’s readiness for the upcoming elections. During this visit, another issue was raised regarding the deployment of police inspectors. The CEC questioned why more than 100 police inspectors were holding key positions in Mumbai by implying that this concentration of officers needed to be examined further.
In the Election Commission’s recent review meeting in Maharashtra highlighted their focus on both logistical preparation for the election and ensuring swift action against electoral offences. These measures are part of the ECI's broader effort to maintain a transparent and efficient election process in the state and across the country.
Election Commission Criticizes State for Non-Compliance with Transfer Directives
In a recent statement, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar expressed dissatisfaction with the state administration's failure to implement key transfer directives, crucial for the smooth functioning of upcoming elections. Despite a clear order issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on July 31, 2024, the state has yet to complete the process of relocating officials who have served in the same district or post for more than three years. This delay has raised concerns about the state’s commitment to ensuring fair elections.
Unfulfilled Transfer Orders
The directive from the ECI aimed to prevent any potential bias or undue influence by officials who have stayed too long in their current postings, particularly in their home districts. The logic behind this order was to ensure that officials do not form lasting associations that could affect their impartiality during the election process. However, according to sources, the state administration has not yet followed through and leaving the transfer process incomplete.
CEC Questions the Reluctance of State Administration
CEC Rajiv Kumar directly questioned the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, demanding clarification on why the state has been reluctant to transfer key officials, especially revenue officers. These positions are crucial in maintaining transparency and neutrality during the election period. The hesitation in executing these transfers has drawn the Election Commission’s attention which considers this a matter of serious concern.
Strict Measures to Curb Illegal Liquor Ahead of Maharashtra Elections
In preparation for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, the state's Excise Commissioner has been sternly reprimanded by higher authorities. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) has issued clear instructions to intensify efforts to prevent the illegal flow of liquor from neighbouring states. This comes as part of a broader strategy to ensure a fair and clean election process.
Surveillance of illegal Liquor Distribution
According to sources, the CEC has directed the Excise Commissioner to implement strict monitoring measures to curb the movement and distribution of illicit liquor within Maharashtra. The illegal liquor trade, especially in the run-up to elections has often been a tool used to influence voters, and the CEC's focus is to eliminate this possibility. The state's law enforcement agencies have been instructed to tighten their grip and work closely with neighbouring states to halt any illegal liquor entering Maharashtra.
Assembly Elections to Witness Major Political Showdown
Maharashtra's legislative assembly elections, which will take place in 288 constituencies, have yet to see an official date announced by the Election Commission of India. As these elections approach, political alliances have already drawn battle lines by indicating a major contest between two key coalitions.
On one side is the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Sharad Pawar, and the Congress party. On the opposing front is the Maha Yuti Alliance, composed of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP faction aligned with Ajit Pawar. This election will be essential in determining the political direction of the state.
. . .
References: