The campaign for elections to the Akhil Bhartiya Chitrapat Mahamandal (ABMCM) has gained momentum after the allotment of poll symbols to the candidates on Friday. The elections are set to witness a direct face-off between two major panels, while independent candidates have formed a third front. The polls are scheduled on June 7 in Kolhapur, Pune, and Mumbai, with votes counted and results declared on June 8.
Initially, 60 candidates qualified for the 17 available seats. However, 13 later withdrew their nominations, and three were elected unopposed. Consequently, 44 candidates will now contest for the remaining 14 seats.
Direct Contest Between Two Major Panels
The election will feature a direct contest between the Samarth panel, led by former ABMCM president Meghraj Raje Bhosale, and the Chitrakarmi panel, led by Satish Randive. Each front has fielded 14 candidates. The excitement surrounding the elections has intensified with 16 independent candidates entering the arena.
Symbol Allotment Ceremony
On Friday, election symbols were allotted at the Bhandarkar Hall of the Gayan Samaj Deval Club. The Samarth panel’s symbol is a kite, while the Chitrakarmi panel has a cup and saucer. The remaining independent candidates were allotted symbols such as umbrella, telephone, radio, whistle, road roller, turban, guitar, coconut, two-wheeler, and butterfly, based on their preferences and availability.
Demand for Additional Polling Stations
Bhosale has written to the election commission demanding additional polling stations in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, and Sawantwadi. He stated, “Currently, there are only three polling stations in Kolhapur, Pune, and Mumbai. However, members are scattered across Maharashtra and even outside the state. Considering the extreme heat in June, it will be troublesome for many to travel long distances to vote. Additional polling stations should be made available as per the provision of part 7, no. 6 of the Constitution, with the aim to facilitate voting rights of members and increase the voting percentage.”
Intensified Canvassing
With only eight days left for the elections, the contest has intensified. Renowned artists and activists from the film industry have become actively involved in canvassing. Meetings, interactive sessions, and campaign drives are underway across the state, with efforts being made to reach every single voter.
Voter Count and Unopposed Winners
The total voter count is 3,400: Kolhapur has 520 voters, Pune has 840, Mumbai has 1,200, and other districts have 840 voters. Additionally, the three unopposed winners are Varsha Usgaonkar in the actress category, Vijay Khochikar in the editing category, and Anand Shinde for music and playback.
