New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the Maharashtra government for failing to comply with directives concerning the transfer of officers in the lead-up to the upcoming assembly elections. The ECI had previously issued a letter requesting explanations from the state’s Chief Secretary, Sujata Saunik, and the Director General of Police, Rashmi Shukla, regarding the absence of a compliance report despite the deadline passing.
The matter was a key agenda item during a recent meeting between the ECI delegation, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, and Maharashtra state officials, including Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, DGP Rashmi Shukla, and several senior bureaucrats. Sources reveal that the Election Commission is particularly frustrated that certain officers, who were subject to transfer instructions, have remained in their positions for over three years.
During the previous Lok Sabha elections, the ECI had reminded the Maharashtra government about the necessity to transfer specific officers. In response, officials such as Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Iqbal Chahal and Additional Commissioner Ashwini Bhind were relocated. However, the ECI remains displeased with the government’s failure to transfer other designated officers, despite sending three reminders without receiving any adequate response.
In today’s meeting, the Election Commission also highlighted the inconvenience faced by voters at polling stations, especially in Mumbai, during the Lok Sabha polls. The ECI had mandated the state government to provide essential facilities such as benches, fans, drinking water, and rain protection at polling venues. According to the Commission, many polling stations were found lacking these basic amenities during the last elections, leading to voter discomfort. The ECI hinted at stringent actions against complaints related to voter inconvenience on election day.
Furthermore, the ECI instructed the Maharashtra government to ensure orderly queues at polling stations and to promptly fill the long-standing vacancies for assistant returning officers. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasised the importance of conducting elections that are free and fair, underscoring the need for meticulous preparation and adherence to guidelines.
In his presentation, State Chief Electoral Officer S Chokkalingam informed the ECI team that as of September 22, Maharashtra has a voter base of approximately 9.59 crore, comprising 4.95 crore men and 4.64 crore women. The state will utilise a total of 52,789 polling stations, with 39,048 located in rural areas and 13,741 in urban regions, to facilitate the upcoming assembly elections.
The Election Commission’s stern stance reflects its commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process in Maharashtra. The government’s response to these concerns will be crucial in ensuring a smooth and credible election, free from administrative lapses and voter disenfranchisement.
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