ECI reviews Maharashtra poll preparedness, emphasises action on electoral offences

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 28 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought the status of FIRs related to electoral offences during the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from the Superintendent of Police of districts in Maharashtra during the review meeting of poll preparedness of Maharashtra Assembly election, sources told ANI.
According to sources, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar directed SPs to review all cases related to personnel, EVM, and social media. CEC strictly conveyed that swift response and action to be taken on fake news on social media.
State Police Nodal Officers were asked to expedite all LS 2024 cases without any laxity in taking these cases to conclusion, said sources.
During the review meeting, CEC Rajiv Kumar directed all District Election Officers, Superintendent of Police to ensure minimum facilities and proper management of voter queues at polling stations. CEC directed DEOs to visit polling stations personally to review all arrangements, put up benches for voters in queues, provide drinking water, and take care of parking in congested areas. It was also said that multiple polling stations in one location should have proper signage and directions for guiding voters, sources said.
The ECI team led by CEC Rajiv Kumar is on a two-day visit to Mumbai to review the poll preparedness of the Maharashtra Assembly election. During the review meeting on Friday with Maharashtra's top officials, CEC asked why more than 100 police inspectors are holding key positions in Mumbai.
According to sources, CEC Rajiv Kumar said that 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, the state administration has not completed the process. CEC Rajiv Kumar asked the Chief Secretary why, despite clear direction from ECI, the state is reluctant to transfer revenue officers to key posts in the state. EC conveys displeasure and seeks an explanation.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has expressed his displeasure over the state administration's non-compliance. The Election Commission of India (EC) has demanded an explanation from the Chief Secretary (CS) and Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra for failing to fully implement its orders on the transfer of officials ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
He further reprimanded the Excise Commissioner of Maharashtra and gave strict instructions to dry up the flow of illicit liquor from neighbouring states ahead of the upcoming elections in the state. "Directed the Excise Commissioner to keep a close eye on the movement and distribution of any kind of illegal liquor in the state," sources said.
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, comprising the UBT Shiv Sena, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, and the Maha Yuti Alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).