Mumbai: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a stern warning to Maharashtra officials regarding the need to address voter inconvenience ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. During a visit to Mumbai to assess election preparedness, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of basic facilities at polling stations during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In a high-level review meeting with Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and other senior officials, the ECI emphasized the importance of ensuring all minimum assured facilities at polling stations. These include seating arrangements, adequate ventilation, drinking water, and proper shelter for voters. "ECI will take strict action on any complaints of voter inconvenience on election day," stated CEC Kumar.
Concerns Over Past Polling Arrangements
The ECI raised concerns about inadequate queue management and insufficient arrangements during the previous Lok Sabha elections. To prevent a recurrence, the Commission directed officials to implement effective queue management systems and ensure a smooth voting process. Kumar also expressed dissatisfaction over the low volume of seizures during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against the distribution of inducements.
Suggestions from Political Parties
CEC Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, held meetings with representatives from various political parties. BJP representatives, Mihir Kotecha and Ashish Shelar, suggested that polling should be held on a working day to ensure maximum voter turnout. They also proposed reducing the number of voters per booth from 1,500-1,600 to 1,000. The Congress party objected to setting up polling stations in housing societies and stressed the need for voter comfort.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Subhash Desai recommended that elections be held in as few phases as possible and called for prioritizing the comfort of senior citizens. The Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar?s NCP also pushed for single-phase elections and an increase in the election expenditure limit by ?20 lakh. They advocated for uniformity in tax levied for erecting hoardings during the campaign period.
Focus on Law and Order
Kumar directed Maharashtra excise officials to curb the inflow of illicit liquor from neighboring states ahead of the elections and urged the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to intensify surveillance on drug movements. ?In the recent Lok Sabha polls, we seized drugs worth ?4,500 crore. Don?t break the momentum. Ensure strict vigil on critical routes,? Kumar stated.
He also called for enhanced coordination and intelligence sharing among agencies, including the Railway Protection Force, and emphasized that the helicopters of all leaders and star campaigners should be checked as per protocol.
The upcoming elections are expected to be closely contested, with all major parties gearing up for a robust campaign. The ECI?s stringent measures and proactive approach aim to ensure a free, fair, and hassle-free voting experience for the people of Maharashtra.
