EC reviews poll preparedness for Maharashtra elections

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, reviewed preparedness in Maharashtra on Saturday for the upcoming assembly elections in the State.

All District Election Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), Municipal Commissioners (MCs), Divisional Commissioners, Commissioners of Police (CPs), and Inspector General (IGs) were present in the meeting.

During the meeting, CEC Rajiv Kumar directed all DEOs and SPs to ensure minimum facilities and proper management of voter queues at polling stations. He instructed the DEOs to personally visit polling stations to check all arrangements.

"Put up benches for voters in queue, provide drinking water, and take care of parking in congested areas," he directed.

He added that multiple polling stations in one location should have proper signage and directions to guide voters. The Election Commission also sought updates on electoral offences related to FIRs from the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

CEC Rajiv Kumar insisted on a swift response to fake news on social media, directing that all cases related to personnel, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and social media be reviewed.

In the review meeting conducted on Friday CEC Kumar queried why over 100 police inspectors are in key positions in Mumbai.

He pointed out that despite a directive issued on July 31, 2024, to transfer officials who have been in their current posts for more than three years, the state administration has not completed this process.

He asked the Chief Secretary why the state is reluctant to transfer revenue officers from key posts, expressing his displeasure at the non-compliance with Election Commission orders.

Additionally, Kumar instructed the Excise Commissioner to stop the flow of illegal liquor from neighbouring states ahead of the elections. "Directed the Excise Commissioner to keep a close eye on the movement and distribution of any kind of illegal liquor in the state," sources reported.

The CEC further directed enforcement agencies to check the helicopters of all leaders and star campaigners, stating, "No favours to anyone and all to be treated equally."

He warned against illegal cash movement disguised as police vans and ambulances, stressing that "agencies should closely monitor illegal cash movement."

The CEC also ordered the Narcotics Control Bureau Director to watch for inter-border drug movement and ensure strict surveillance on critical routes. The ECI delegation led by CEC Rajiv Kumar is in Mumbai to oversee preparations for the assembly elections, which will be held in 288 constituencies, with election dates yet to be announced.

The term of the Maharashtra assembly ends on November 26 and the upcoming elections are set to see a contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition and the Maha Yuti Alliance.

(ANI)