State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare made a significant statement on Tuesday regarding the upcoming municipal corporation polls in Maharashtra. He addressed allegations involving state assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar during the nomination process in Colaba.
Video Footage Fails to Establish Proof
Opposition candidates had accused Speaker Rahul Narwekar of threatening them to withdraw their nominations. Waghmare clarified that the video footage received by the State Election Commission so far did not establish anything concrete. "The footage we received so far did not establish anything," Waghmare said explicitly.
The commission has now asked for additional footage to conduct a thorough investigation. They have also requested a detailed report from the election observer assigned to the Colaba constituency. This move indicates the SEC's commitment to examining all evidence before reaching any conclusions.
Colaba Returning Officer's Action Deemed Correct
In a related development, the State Election Commission has already reviewed the conduct of Colaba returning officer Krishna Jadhav. Jadhav did not allow an AAP candidate to file her nomination papers during the process.
Waghmare stated that the returning officer's action appeared prima facie correct according to the rules. The candidate was present in the office premises but not in the officer's cabin as specifically required by election regulations. "Prima facie, the RO does not seem to have made a mistake," Waghmare emphasized.
He further explained that candidates aggrieved by this decision would need to pursue legal remedies. They can file a writ petition in the high court or submit an election petition through proper channels.
Massive Seizures During Model Code Period
The State Election Commissioner provided startling figures about enforcement actions during the model code of conduct period. Authorities have seized a substantial sum of Rs 7 crore in cash from various locations across the state.
In addition to the cash, law enforcement agencies confiscated 2.3 lakh litres of alcohol intended for possible election-related distribution. They also seized narcotics with an estimated street value of Rs 54.8 crores, demonstrating the scale of preventive measures.
The crackdown extended to weapons as well, with 95 firearms seized to prevent potential violence during the election period. These seizures represent one of the most comprehensive enforcement drives in recent municipal election history.
Numerous Code Violation Complaints Filed
Waghmare revealed that election authorities have received 341 formal complaints regarding violations of the model code of conduct. These complaints cover various alleged infractions by candidates and political parties across the state.
The State Election Commission is systematically examining each complaint to ensure fair electoral practices. This high number of complaints indicates both increased vigilance by citizens and political opponents during this election cycle.
Upcoming Municipal Corporation Elections
All these developments occur as Maharashtra prepares for elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the crucial Mumbai municipal corporation. The polls are scheduled for January 15, creating a tight timeline for resolving these matters.
The State Election Commission continues to monitor the situation closely as nomination processes conclude and campaigning intensifies. Their actions suggest a determined effort to maintain electoral integrity despite the challenges presented by these allegations and enforcement statistics.
