Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar Reviews Maharashtra Poll Preparations
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], 28 September: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked for updates on FIRs related to electoral offences during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Superintendent of Police in Maharashtra. This was discussed during a review meeting on the state’s poll preparedness for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election.
Key Directives from the Chief Election Commissioner
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar instructed SPs to review cases involving personnel, EVMs, and social media. He emphasized the need for swift action against fake news on social media. State Police Nodal Officers were urged to expedite all cases related to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
During the meeting, CEC Rajiv Kumar also directed District Election Officers (DEOs) and Superintendents of Police to ensure proper facilities and management of voter queues at polling stations. He asked DEOs to personally visit polling stations to review arrangements, provide benches for voters, drinking water, and manage parking in congested areas. Proper signage and directions at multiple polling stations in one location were also emphasized.
Concerns Over Non-Compliance
During the two-day visit to Mumbai, CEC Rajiv Kumar questioned why over 100 police inspectors are still holding key positions in Mumbai despite a directive issued on July 31, 2024, to relocate officials who have served in their home district or current posting for over three years. He expressed displeasure over the state administration’s non-compliance and demanded an explanation from the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Maharashtra.
Additionally, CEC Rajiv Kumar reprimanded the Excise Commissioner of Maharashtra, instructing them to monitor and prevent the flow of illicit liquor from neighboring states ahead of the elections.
Upcoming Elections
The Maharashtra legislative Assembly elections will be held in 288 constituencies. The Election Commission of India has yet to announce the dates for the election. The upcoming polls will see a contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition (UBT Shiv Sena, NCP – Sharad Pawar faction, and Congress) and the Maha Yuti Alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena – Eknath Shinde faction, and NCP – Ajit Pawar faction).
Doubts Revealed
Chief Election Commissioner -: The Chief Election Commissioner is the head of the Election Commission of India, which is responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country.
Rajiv Kumar -: Rajiv Kumar is the current Chief Election Commissioner of India, overseeing the election process and ensuring it runs smoothly.
Maharashtra -: Maharashtra is a state in western India, known for its capital city Mumbai, which is also the financial hub of the country.
FIRs -: FIR stands for First Information Report. It is a document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a crime.
2024 Lok Sabha elections -: The Lok Sabha elections are held every five years to elect members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament. The next elections are scheduled for 2024.
fake news -: Fake news refers to false or misleading information presented as news. It can spread quickly and cause confusion or harm.
voter facilities -: Voter facilities include things like polling booths, voter ID cards, and other arrangements to make it easy for people to vote.
non-compliance with transfer directives -: This means that some officials did not follow orders to transfer or move to different positions as directed by higher authorities.
Excise Commissioner -: The Excise Commissioner is an official responsible for regulating the production and sale of alcohol and other excisable goods.
illicit liquor flow -: Illicit liquor flow refers to the illegal production and distribution of alcohol, which can be harmful and is against the law.
Maharashtra Assembly elections -: These are elections held to choose members of the legislative assembly in Maharashtra, who make laws and policies for the state.
Maha Vikas Aghadi -: Maha Vikas Aghadi is a political alliance in Maharashtra, consisting of parties like the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Indian National Congress.
Maha Yuti -: Maha Yuti is another political alliance in Maharashtra, mainly consisting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction).
