Last Updated:
The commission has revealed that a total of 509 Model Code of Conduct violation cases were registered throughout the election period
Despite the violations, the State Election Commission has been commended for its efforts to increase voter turnout. (PTI)
The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has reported a surge in violations during the assembly elections, with 150 cases registered within just one-and-a-half days.
Among these, 15 cases related to controversial statements such as “Batenge toh Katenge”, “Vote Jihad”, “Ek Hain toh Safe Hain”, and “Dharmayodha” have been flagged and detailed reports have been sent to the Central Election Commission. The SEC is also investigating incidents of cash and sari distribution, which have added to the tally of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations. The commission has revealed that a total of 509 MCC violation cases were registered throughout the election period.
However, the sudden spike in cases in less than two days has raised concerns among senior officials. On polling day itself, chief minister Eknath Shinde visited the Worli and Chandivali constituencies, which has sparked complaints of code violations. The SEC has taken cognizance of these allegations and sought a report on the matter.
Despite these violations, the SEC has been commended for its efforts to increase voter turnout. Senior officials expressed satisfaction with the higher turnout compared to previous elections, crediting improved facilities at polling centres.
In Mumbai, where the district election offices worked extensively, measures such as housing society-based polling stations and strategic redistribution of polling booths helped avoid confusion observed during the Lok Sabha elections.
The increase in voter turnout has been attributed to better voter convenience, enhanced booth accessibility, and meticulous planning by district officials. These improvements ensured smoother operations and contributed significantly to public participation in the democratic process. During the assembly elections, three polling stations utilised three Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) each, while over 100 polling stations required two or more EVMs. At 185 polling stations, a single EVM was sufficient. This setup helped manage the voting process effectively, even in high-density areas.
Enforcement agencies reported a significant increase in the value of seized items during the elections. Compared to Rs 123 crore worth of cash, liquor, and other valuables confiscated in the 2019 elections, this year saw seizures worth a staggering Rs 709 crore. The rise indicates stricter enforcement and vigilance by the authorities to curb illegal practices.
While the SEC’s initiatives to enhance voter participation have received praise, the concerning rise in MCC violations and complaints, including high-profile cases involving senior leaders, remains a challenge. As scrutiny intensifies, the Election Commission’s ability to ensure free and fair elections will be crucial in shaping public confidence.
