Election Commission Conducts Checks on Political Leaders in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, the Election Commission conducted checks on the bags and helicopters of several political leaders, including Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray, and Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole. These checks were part of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure fair elections.
Details of the Checks
Kharge’s bags were inspected when his helicopter landed in Nashik. Similarly, Thackeray’s bags were checked in Ahmednagar, and Patole’s helicopter and bags were inspected at the Tiroda helipad while he was on his way to campaign in the Goregaon Assembly constituency.
Reactions and Clarifications
Uddhav Thackeray expressed his displeasure over the checks, questioning whether similar checks were conducted on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders. However, the Election Commission clarified that these checks are part of the SOPs to maintain a level playing field.
Background and Context
Earlier, the bags and helicopter of Mahayuti leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, were also checked. Additionally, Thane Police, in collaboration with the Election Commission, seized Rs 2.5 crore in cash from a location in Navi Mumbai, highlighting the strict enforcement of the model code of conduct ahead of the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections.
Upcoming Elections
The Maharashtra assembly elections are set for November 20, with the counting of votes for all 288 constituencies scheduled for November 23.
Doubts Revealed
Election Commission -: The Election Commission is a group in India that makes sure elections are fair and follow the rules. They help organize and oversee elections to ensure everyone plays by the same rules.
Uddhav Thackeray -: Uddhav Thackeray is a politician in India. He is the leader of a political party called Shiv Sena (UBT) in Maharashtra, a state in India.
Maharashtra -: Maharashtra is a big state in India. It has many cities, including Mumbai, which is one of the largest cities in India.
Mallikarjun Kharge -: Mallikarjun Kharge is a senior leader of the Congress party in India. He is the president of the Congress party, which is one of the major political parties in India.
Nana Patole -: Nana Patole is a politician in India. He is the president of the Congress party in Maharashtra.
SOPs -: SOPs stands for Standard Operating Procedures. These are a set of rules or steps that need to be followed to make sure everything is done correctly and fairly.
Rs 2.5 crore -: Rs 2.5 crore is a large amount of money in Indian currency, the Rupee. It is equal to 25 million Rupees.
Assembly elections -: Assembly elections are when people in a state vote to choose their leaders. These leaders will make important decisions for the state.
