A controversy has erupted during the first phase of Maharashtra's local body elections after a video surfaced showing a Shiv Sena legislator entering a polling booth while a woman was casting her vote. The incident, which occurred in Hingoli, has prompted election authorities to order an immediate investigation into the potential breach of electoral protocol.
Video Sparks Election Day Controversy
The now-viral video clip forms the core of the allegation. It purportedly shows the Shiv Sena Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) stepping inside the designated voting compartment at a polling station in Hingoli district. This happened at the precise moment a female voter was in the process of exercising her franchise. The presence of any unauthorized person, especially a political figure, near a voter in the secret voting space is a serious violation of election rules designed to ensure a free and fair process.
Elections Underway Across Maharashtra
This incident cast a shadow over the extensive electoral exercise taking place across the state. Voting is currently underway for 264 municipal councils and nagar panchayats in this initial phase. A significant number of positions are at stake, with 6,042 seats and 264 council president posts up for grabs. The elections are a crucial test for political parties at the grassroots level of governance in Maharashtra.
Official Response and Next Steps
Reacting swiftly to the circulating video, the election administration has directed a formal probe into the conduct of the Shiv Sena MLA. The investigation will scrutinize the footage and gather statements to determine if electoral laws were violated. The outcome could potentially lead to legal consequences depending on the findings. The incident underscores the heightened scrutiny and challenges in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process during high-stakes local body polls.
The news was reported by PTI on December 2, 2025. As the probe unfolds, all eyes will be on Hingoli and the actions taken by the election authorities to address this alleged infringement.
