A fresh political storm has erupted ahead of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections after the Election Commission unveiled a new contingency plan for vote counting, triggering sharp reactions from opposition leaders and reviving fears over transparency.
The Election Commission announced that Printing Auxiliary Display Units (PADUs) will be deployed as an emergency backup during vote counting on January 16 if Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) face unresolved technical problems. Officials clarified that votes are normally counted by linking the Control Unit with the Ballot Unit, but if repeated glitches occur, PADUs will be used to ensure counting is completed without interruption.
Calling it a purely technical safeguard, election officials said the move is meant to prevent delays and confusion during counting. “The objective is simple—no vote counting should stop midway under any circumstances,” an official said, adding that PADUs will only be used if standard procedures fail.
However, the announcement immediately drew fire from the Thackeray brothers, who accused the Election Commission of altering rules at a sensitive moment.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray questioned both the timing and intent behind the decision. “Why were such rules never introduced during Lok Sabha or Assembly elections? Why are they being brought in now?” he asked. He also raised concerns over campaign-related relaxations, saying, “You say candidates can meet voters but not distribute pamphlets. Then what are you indirectly allowing? This raises serious doubts.”
Raj Thackeray further objected to the introduction of PADUs without prior consultation. “A new machine has suddenly appeared. Why wasn’t it demonstrated to political parties or explained to the public?” he demanded.
Echoing similar concerns, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray wrote to the Election Commission, alleging institutional bias. “What is the guarantee that this new machine will not malfunction? The Election Commission appears to be working to help the government win the election. This is our clear allegation,” he stated. He also urged party workers to remain vigilant, warning that ruling alliance candidates could attempt to influence voters through money distribution.
Adding to the controversy, the Election Commission allowed door-to-door campaigning until 5 pm on Wednesday, while continuing the ban on pamphlet distribution. Opposition parties questioned the logic behind the partial relaxation, calling it confusing and poorly timed.
Voting for 2,869 seats across 893 wards will take place on January 15, with polling scheduled from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. Around 3.48 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots, deciding the fate of 15,931 candidates, including major contests in Mumbai and Pune. Vote counting is scheduled for January 16.
