Tuesday's civic body elections across Nagpur district were marked by intense political drama, allegations of malpractice, and administrative hiccups, even as the administration deployed maximum resources for the crucial polls. As the largest district in Vidarbha by population, the voting for municipal councils and nagar panchayats kept workers from all parties on high alert throughout the day.
Allegations of Cash Distribution and Polling Booth Confusion
The election day was far from smooth in several areas. In Kamptee, a major controversy erupted when former legislator and senior leader Sulekha Kumbhare leveled serious allegations. She claimed that cash was being distributed to voters from a private farmhouse and asserted that some political leaders had stashed money there. Kumbhare demanded immediate action from the State Election Commission (SEC) to investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, a scene of utter chaos unfolded at a polling booth in Pitesur, Godhani. The root cause was the reported unavailability of the official voter list inside the polling centre, which led to several voters being turned away. Congress leader Rahul Manohar explained that while Asha workers had a provisional list outside, the staff inside claimed they did not have the names of many voters. This confusion resulted in numerous people missing their chance to vote.
The situation escalated when former ZP president and Congress leader Kunda Raut arrived at the spot with nearly 100 residents and party workers. The confusion persisted until about 3 pm, with voters left unsure about where to go or how to verify their eligibility. Manohar later stated that the returning officer apologized for the lapse and ensured the correct voter list was finally placed inside, allowing polling to resume.
Technical Glitches and Heartwarming Civic Participation
Minor technical issues were also reported. In Wadi, a key transport hub, early morning discrepancies were noted in some EVMs at one centre. A senior official confirmed that switches on some machines were not functioning properly and one EVM showed a low battery. However, the issue was resolved swiftly, with additional machines brought in within minutes, ensuring the voting process continued smoothly. The area saw heavy police barricading and stringent security measures.
Amidst the controversies, heartening stories of civic duty emerged. In Besa, citizen Karishma Rajurkar received applause for casting her vote with her 26-day-old baby in her arms. She voted at the Pallotti College centre in the Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat area, which was an all-women booth. The staff, dressed in pink saris and matching turbans, added a cheerful touch to the suburb's first civic election. Besa witnessed a vibrant turnout, with its narrow roads dotted with political booths creating a festive atmosphere, though some voters faced initial confusion locating their updated booth locations.
Special Initiatives for Accessible Voting
In a commendable move, the Ramtek administration implemented special arrangements to ensure persons with disabilities could vote without hardship. They provided a dedicated free transport service with pick-up and drop facilities for Divyang voters, accessible via an official helpline. This initiative significantly minimized the physical challenges typically faced on election day.
At multiple polling stations, amenities like wheelchairs, ramps, and trained volunteers were stationed to assist voters. The efforts were appreciated by the youth as well. Bhupendra Barve, a 22-year-old animation engineer, remarked, "The facilities for Divyang voters were genuinely impressive this time." Officer Saurabh Kawale added that similar transport arrangements were also made for elderly citizens who could not reach the booths independently.
The elections in Nagpur district, therefore, painted a complex picture—a blend of alleged malpractices and administrative lapses juxtaposed with robust community participation and inclusive measures aimed at strengthening the democratic process.
