Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp critique against the State Election Commission (SEC) on Monday, labelling its decision to delay upcoming municipal council elections across Maharashtra as "arbitrary, legally indefensible, and deeply unfair." Speaking to reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Deputy Chief Minister asserted that the move severely disadvantages hundreds of candidates who had concluded their campaigning and preparations.
Legal Basis Questioned, Dangerous Precedent Feared
Fadnavis argued that the SEC had "misinterpreted the law" in its ruling to suspend the electoral process. He expressed grave concern that allowing such a decision to stand could set a perilous precedent, where elections could be repeatedly stalled through litigation. "Cancelling these elections is extremely wrong. If this approach is taken, everyone will go to court every time, and then the election will be postponed. This has never happened before," he cautioned.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the commission had failed to clarify which specific law or legal interpretation it relied upon for the postponement. "I have no idea which law the Election Commission is citing or whose advice it is taking," he stated, adding that based on his legal consultations and study, the consensus was that polls cannot be deferred merely because an individual approached the court.
Nilanga Example Cited as an Injustice
Fadnavis highlighted the case of the Nilanga Municipal Council to illustrate his point. He revealed that Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar had contacted him on Sunday regarding the situation. "In Nilanga, the entire process was complete. Someone whose form was rejected went to court. The court rejected his form. Why was it accepted?" he questioned. He stressed that postponing the election at this stage solely due to a petition was "extremely wrong."
He framed the SEC's decision as a significant injustice to both candidates and local voters. The last-minute delay, he argued, inflicts substantial losses on those who invested considerable time, resources, and effort. "What an injustice this is to those candidates who honestly completed all the formalities. You postponed the elections today, which were supposed to take place tomorrow. Their efforts and hard work are all wasted," Fadnavis said.
Government to Act, Autonomy Respected
While acknowledging the constitutional autonomy of the State Election Commission, Fadnavis maintained his strong disagreement with its verdict. "They have the right to make decisions. But my opinion is that this decision is wrong," he stated. He confirmed that the state government would formally submit a detailed representation to the SEC, urging it to reconsider the postponement.
Denying any allegations of governmental interference, Fadnavis clarified that the Urban Development Department had no involvement in the SEC's decision. "The connection here is solely with the Election Commission. The Election Commission is fully autonomous," he explained. He also mentioned that several district collectors had voiced their concerns during a video conference held prior to the issuance of the postponement order.
Fadnavis further criticised the practical implications of the delay, including the extension of the campaign period. "Now, having to campaign again for 15-20 days, I feel this is extremely wrong," he said, reaffirming the government's intent to formally raise the issue while assuring that the elections will undoubtedly be held at a later date.
