Maharashtra elections before Assembly term concludes on Nov 26: CEC
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Saturday indicated that elections in Maharashtra must be conducted before November 26, as the term of the current Assembly concludes on that date.
During a press conference in Mumbai following a two-day review meeting, Kumar shared that political parties have requested the election dates be announced with consideration of upcoming festivals, particularly Diwali.
“All political parties have asked us to take the upcoming festivals into account when declaring the poll dates. I am confident that Maharashtra will actively participate in the festival of democracy,” said Kumar.
Responding to a query on delays in the state’s compliance with the Election Commission’s request to transfer officials, he explained, “Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, particularly regarding those on extensions or contracts. If an official is in a position to influence the elections, they will be dealt with and prevented from interfering in the process.”
Maharashtra’s Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla is currently serving a two-year extension post-retirement, prompting opposition parties to demand her removal, citing concerns that she could influence the electoral process.
The CEC also expressed concern about low voter turnout in urban areas and stressed efforts to boost participation in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Kumar emphasised the need for transparency regarding candidates’ criminal backgrounds and urged political parties to provide clear reasons for fielding such candidates. He said helicopters used during poll campaigns would be thoroughly inspected to ensure inducement-free elections.
Warns deep fake tech users of action
Wrapping up his two-day Maharashtra visit, Kumar said those spreading fake news and using deep fake tech on social media ahead of Maharashtra polls will be dealt with sternly. In such cases, political parties should also inform the voters about their inability to field anyone else, he added.
