The State Election Commission (SEC) of Maharashtra finds itself in the eye of a political storm, drawing sharp criticism from both the ruling alliance and opposition parties. The controversy stems from its eleventh-hour decision to postpone voting in select municipal councils and nagar panchayats, a move that has thrown the electoral process into disarray and invited a strong rebuke from the Bombay High Court.
Court Intervention and Political Backlash
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court delivered a significant ruling on Tuesday, postponing the counting of votes from December 3 to December 21. This judicial order was seen by political parties as a validation of their stance against the SEC's handling of the elections. The Congress party had formally requested the postponement of counting, arguing that early results could unfairly influence voters in areas where polls were deferred to December 20.
Furthermore, the Congress raised a critical financial concern for candidates. They sought an exemption in election expenditure limits, stating that candidates had already exhausted their permitted budgets. With the polling date pushed back at the last moment, candidates faced the prospect of being unable to campaign effectively in the extended period.
Scathing Criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP
The Shiv Sena (UBT) launched a fierce attack on the SEC through an editorial in its mouthpiece, Saamna. The editorial did not mince words, calling the SEC a "joker in this game" and accusing the government, particularly the BJP, of reducing the commission to that role. It alleged that the chaos was deliberately planned to benefit the ruling party.
"The elections to the Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats were just a few hours away, but the SEC postponed elections in 12 districts," the editorial stated, questioning the commission's authority to act so hastily. It also pointed out the irony of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticizing the SEC, asking if the commission could have acted without the government's tacit permission.
Interestingly, criticism also came from within the ruling alliance. BJP minister from Dhule, Jayakumar Rawal, stated that the Election Commission should have managed matters in a more planned and transparent manner. While acknowledging that people continue to vote despite challenges, he admitted the situation has created an atmosphere of discontent.
Administrative Chaos and Practical Nightmares
The postponement has created a logistical quagmire. Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Sushama Andhare highlighted the severe practical implications. She stated that the SEC has been fumbling since the day the local body polls were announced. "This is insane," Andhare said, pointing out that the SEC will now have to securely store EVMs for an additional 18 days, putting a massive strain on police and local administration resources.
She warned that this could vitiate the atmosphere at district levels and raised concerns about potential law and order issues, questioning who would be held responsible. The decision affects elections in 246 Municipal Councils and 42 Nagar Panchayats, where voting was originally scheduled for December 2.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his surprise at the turn of events, noting that once the election process begins, it is typically never stopped. "I will check what has happened. Usually such a thing never happens but this time it is unfortunate," Shinde remarked, reflecting the confusion even within the government.
A Congress spokesperson added to the critique, accusing the SEC of wrongly interpreting the court order. "Cancelling the election just a day before voting is something that has happened for the first time in the state in recent years," the spokesperson said, demanding clarity on the handling of candidates' already-incurred election expenses.
The unfolding drama places the State Election Commission's autonomy and decision-making under unprecedented scrutiny, raising fundamental questions about the integrity and smooth conduct of the democratic process at the local level in Maharashtra.
