The District Bar Association (DBA) elections in Nagpur on Friday recorded a high voter turnout of 84%, but the process was overshadowed by allegations of mismanagement, including a shortage of ballot papers.
High Turnout Despite Controversy
Out of 3,390 eligible voters, 2,848 cast their votes for 17 positions, marking an increase from the 82.31% turnout in the previous election. The voting, held from 10am to 5.30pm, was largely peaceful. The contested posts included president, secretary, two vice-presidents, two joint secretaries (one reserved for women), a librarian, a treasurer, and nine executive committee members (six men and three women).
Allegations of Ballot Paper Shortage
Several lawyers claimed that the poll panel had printed only about 2,800 ballot papers initially. A senior lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "Midway, there was chaos for some time. The poll panel then hurriedly printed additional papers that saved the day. However, the papers were like pamphlets and lacked serial numbers, which is mandatory." Another lawyer noted that standard practice requires printing more ballot papers than the number of voters, adding that a similar issue occurred in the 2014 DBA polls.
However, poll panel member Amol Patne dismissed the allegations, stating that only the serial numbers were missing due to a printer error, and there was no shortage of ballot papers. Voting continued after additional papers were arranged.
Voter Discomfort and Campaigning
Voter Shreerang Bhandarkar described the situation as avoidable, saying, "The mess was unheard of and absolutely undesirable in such important polls. There are no chances of mischief, but the poll panel should take care from next time." The court premises were crowded from morning as lawyers and candidates mobilized support. Prominent figures like Congress MLC Abhijit Wanjarri and party spokesperson Atul Londhe were among those who voted. Aditya Paliwal remarked, "The entire legal fraternity made a point to support their respective candidates by arriving early. With the overwhelming response, there seems to be a tough fight for all the seats."
Candidates were seen near the entrance distributing pamphlets and greeting voters. Some lawyers alleged that a few candidates crossed informal norms by offering water bottles, snacks, and flowers. The court premises were filled with campaign materials from the entrance to the polling floors. By afternoon, congestion worsened as voters queued up in crowded and humid conditions, with many reporting discomfort.
Inadequate Arrangements
Lawyers also pointed to inadequate arrangements, particularly during the final hours when a surge in turnout led to long queues in confined spaces. "Many were seen rushing in after 4pm, and the rooms became extremely congested," a lawyer said.
