Polling Officials Suspended in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Over Minor's Ink Marking Incident
In a significant development from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, three polling officials, including a booth head, a booth officer, and a home guard, were suspended on Sunday. This disciplinary action came just one day after a controversial incident during the zilla parishad elections in Paithan taluka, where Sena MLA Vilas Bhumre was seen voting in the presence of his minor son.
Video Evidence Sparks Controversy and Probe
A viral video captured the moment when both MLA Vilas Bhumre and his young son had their fingers marked with indelible ink at the polling booth. This footage prompted immediate scrutiny from election authorities. District collector Dilip Swami, who also serves as the poll returning officer, has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to ascertain the full details and implications of this breach of protocol.
The suspended officials include two schoolteachers who were assigned election duty, highlighting the broader impact on educational staff involved in electoral processes. Their suspension underscores the seriousness with which election violations are being treated in the region.
MLA Bhumre's Defense and Public Reaction
Downplaying the controversy, Paithan MLA Vilas Bhumre offered an explanation for the incident. He stated, "When my finger was being inked, my son too wanted it. He is small. How will he understand anything about EVMs and its buttons? He just came with me." This statement has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a minor oversight and others criticizing it as a lapse in election integrity.
The incident raises important questions about the enforcement of election rules, particularly regarding the presence of minors at polling stations. It also brings to light the challenges faced by polling officials in maintaining strict adherence to electoral guidelines amidst real-world scenarios.
As the probe unfolds, this case serves as a reminder of the critical role of vigilance in upholding democratic processes. The outcome of the investigation will likely influence future election protocols and training for polling staff in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and beyond.
