Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar confirms Maharashtra Assembly polls before November 26 

The Election Commission of India (ECI) was reviewing the poll preparations in Maharashtra.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday (September 28, 2024) that elections in Maharashtra have to be conducted before November 26, as the current Assembly’s term ends then.

Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai after reviewing the State’s poll preparedness, Mr. Kumar mentioned that political parties have requested the announcement of poll dates, keeping in mind festivals like Diwali. “All political parties have asked us to consider the upcoming festivals while announcing the election dates. I am confident that Maharashtra will actively contribute to the festival of democracy,” he said.

Responding to a question from The Hindu regarding official transfers and postings — particularly concerning those heading key departments on extensions after retirement — Mr. Kumar said that, during elections, all officers are placed under the Election Commission on deemed deputation. “All those who are on extensions and contracts, depends in where they are (posted), based on that decision is taken in case-to-case basis. But, if they are in a position which can influence the elections, they will be dealt with and not allowed to be interfered in the process..,” he said

Maharashtra’s Director General of Police, Rashmi Shukla, is currently serving a two-year extension post-retirement, which has led the Opposition to call for her immediate removal due to concerns that she could influence the elections.

The CEC also expressed concern about low voter turnout in urban areas, noting efforts to maximize participation in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. He cited regions like Colaba and Kalyan in Mumbai as having recorded some of the lowest voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.

He further stressed the importance of informing daily wage earners and others in the unorganised sector that voting day would be a paid holiday, aimed at increasing turnout. “Our goal is to ensure maximum voter registration and participation in these elections,” he added.

The CEC also called on the Maharashtra government to transfer officials who have been in their home district or current posting for more than three years, requesting a compliance report on this within the next few days.

Mr. Kumar reiterated the importance of voters being aware of candidates’ criminal backgrounds, urging political parties to provide clear explanations for fielding such candidates. He also noted that helicopters used during election campaigns would be thoroughly checked to ensure inducement-free elections in Maharashtra.

He also issued a warning against the use of fake news and deepfake technology on social media, pledging strict action against offenders. “I am confident Maharashtra will actively participate in the upcoming festival of democracy,” he said.

Regarding whether the elections would take place in one or multiple phases, Kumar responded, “You will know that in due course.” He added that there will be 1,00,186 polling booths for the assembly elections.

The CEC and his team, including Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, met with representatives from 11 political parties, including the BSP, AAP, CPI(M), INC, MNS, SP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Shiv Sena, to discuss the poll preparations.

Published - September 28, 2024 04:12 pm IST