Maharashtra Election Commission Takes Strict Action Over Polling Booth Violation
The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has taken decisive action following a serious breach of election protocol in Solapur district. The commission has ordered the immediate suspension of a polling officer and a police constable after a minor was permitted to enter a polling booth alongside his father, who was a candidate in the recent Zilla Parishad elections.
Viral Video Reveals Election Rule Violation
The incident came to light through a video that circulated widely on social media platforms last week. The footage captured a 14-year-old boy accompanying his father inside the polling compartment at the Yashwant Nagar polling station in Akluj. The elections for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti were conducted on February 7, and the video shows the minor allegedly pressing the button on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).
The individual in question has been identified as the son of Arjun Sinh Mohite Patil, a candidate representing the NCP (SP) party. The visual evidence clearly depicts the child standing beside his father within the restricted polling area and interacting with the voting equipment.
Official Response and Investigation Findings
In a formal communication addressed to the Solapur collector on February 10, the State Election Commission emphasized that allowing any child inside the polling compartment constitutes a direct violation of established election rules and regulations. The commission conducted a preliminary inquiry that revealed significant negligence in the execution of election duties by the officials stationed at the booth.
The officials found responsible are polling officer Anna Savata Budhe and police constable Gajanan Sitaram Rajut. Their failure to prevent the unauthorized entry and ensure proper polling procedures has led to severe consequences.
Disciplinary Measures and Legal Proceedings
The Maharashtra SEC has implemented multiple corrective actions in response to this incident:
- Immediate suspension of both the polling officer and police constable from their duties
- Initiation of departmental disciplinary proceedings against the suspended officials
- Registration of a First Information Report (FIR) naming candidate Arjun Sinh Mohite Patil
- Directive to the district administration to submit a comprehensive compliance report promptly
The commission has further instructed the Solapur collector to provide a detailed factual report regarding the current status of the case and any subsequent actions taken. This systematic approach demonstrates the election body's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and enforcing accountability among all stakeholders.
This incident highlights the critical importance of strict adherence to election protocols and the consequences of failing to uphold these standards. The Maharashtra State Election Commission's swift response serves as a reminder that election officials must remain vigilant in their duties to preserve the sanctity of the democratic voting process.
