The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted a review meeting in Mumbai to assess the preparedness for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. During the meeting, the ECI requested updates on FIRs related to electoral offences during the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of various districts in Maharashtra.

Focus on Electoral Offences and Social Media Monitoring
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar directed the SPs to review all cases involving personnel, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and social media. He emphasized the need for swift responses and action against fake news circulating on social media platforms. State Police Nodal Officers were instructed to expedite all cases related to the Lok Sabha 2024 elections and ensure no laxity in concluding these cases.

Polling Station Arrangements and Voter Management
CEC Rajiv Kumar also directed District Election Officers (DEOs) and SPs to ensure proper facilities and manage voter queues at polling stations. He instructed DEOs to personally inspect polling stations to ensure all arrangements are in place, such as benches for voters in queues, access to drinking water, and parking management in crowded areas. The CEC also stressed the need for clear signage and directions at locations with multiple polling stations.

Concerns Over Administrative Compliance
During the two-day visit to Mumbai, the ECI team, led by CEC Rajiv Kumar, reviewed the state’s poll preparations and questioned why over 100 police inspectors still hold key positions in Mumbai despite previous directives. The CEC highlighted that despite an order issued on July 31, 2024, to transfer officials who have served in their home district or current post for more than three years, the state has not completed the process.

Demand for Explanation from State Officials
Expressing dissatisfaction with the non-compliance, the ECI demanded an explanation from the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Maharashtra for failing to implement its orders on transferring officials ahead of the elections. The CEC also reprimanded the Excise Commissioner of Maharashtra, instructing them to curb the movement of illicit liquor from neighboring states as the elections approach.

Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held in 288 constituencies, although the ECI has not yet announced the official dates. The election is expected to be a major contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, which includes the UBT Shiv Sena, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, and the Maha Yuti Alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).

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