The State Election Commission in Maharashtra has issued clear instructions for the upcoming rural elections. Electronic voting machines used in recent municipal polls will see immediate redeployment. These EVMs will serve in the zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections across twelve districts.
Technical Transition Underway
State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare has set a firm deadline for municipal commissioners. They must complete the technical transition by Monday evening. The process involves removing memory cards from all EVMs before transferring the equipment.
"Instructions have been issued, and the EVMs must be handed over for the ZP and PS elections in the districts by Monday evening," Waghmare confirmed to reporters. The memory cards will receive special handling. Officials will secure them in government treasuries for preservation.
Critical Preparations for Long-Pending Polls
Senior SEC officials describe this move as critical. It forms a key part of preparations for rural local body elections that have faced delays. The upcoming elections will decide representatives for 731 ZP seats and 1,462 PS seats.
"The plan involves moving EVMs within the same districts," a senior official explained. "The existing memory cards will be removed and stored in the govt treasury to be preserved in case any election petitions are filed in court later."
Twelve Districts Under Model Code
The model code of conduct is already active in all twelve districts involved in the elections. These districts span three administrative divisions:
- Five districts from Pune division: Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur
- Three districts from Konkan division: Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg
- Four districts from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Parbhani, Dharashiv, Latur
After municipal commissioners complete the technical work, the EVMs will transfer to respective district collectors. The voting is scheduled for February 5, with counting set for February 7.
Logistical Scale of the Elections
The SEC will establish 25,482 polling stations across the twelve districts. Officials plan to utilize 51,537 control units and 1,10,329 ballot units for the electoral process.
"Additional EVMs are being arranged to ensure there is no shortage," an official added. "Adequate stock is being reserved well in advance." This proactive approach aims to prevent any last-minute equipment shortages.
Polling Date Controversy Emerges
Meanwhile, the SEC faces requests to reconsider the polling date. MLA Vishwajit Kadam has written to the commission highlighting a scheduling conflict. The annual yatra of Shri Mayakka Devi at Chinchli coincides with the February 5 election date.
Kadam's letter points out that the yatra attracts lakhs of devotees from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Heavy participation comes specifically from Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Solapur districts.
"If the main day of the yatra falls on polling day, a large number of voters are likely to be away from their villages," Kadam stated. "This could directly impact voter turnout." The MLA has urged the SEC to reconsider the election schedule.
Commission Reviewing Requests
Responding to these concerns, Waghmare said the commission is examining the matter carefully. "We have sought reports from divisional commissioners and district collectors," he explained. "A decision will be taken only after reviewing their feedback."
SEC officials noted that several other representatives have made similar requests. This includes a BJP MLA who has also asked for the polling day to be shifted. The commission will weigh all factors before making a final determination.
