As Maharashtra gears up for elections in 29 municipal corporations, Raj Thackeray of MNS has criticized the State Election Commission (SEC). Thackeray, joined by Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena(UBT), raised concerns over a new notification allowing door-to-door visits by candidates until the voting day, breaking the traditional “silence period” before polling. He accused the SEC of bias and questioned the timing and motives behind the new rules.
Thackeray expressed outrage at the deviation from the usual election process, where campaigning stops 48 hours before polling. He questioned the sudden change that permits candidates to meet voters until 5 p.m. on polling day, hinting at possible voter bribery. The MNS chief criticized the SEC for what he perceived as a lack of transparency and alleged that the new rules were not implemented during previous elections.
Raj Thackeray also highlighted technical concerns about the voting process, particularly the introduction of Printing Auxiliary Display Unit (PADU) machines as backup during vote counting in case of EVM failures. He criticized the lack of transparency in introducing these machines without informing political parties, raising doubts about their functionality. Thackeray warned against malpractice and urged vigilance among party workers to prevent alleged cash distribution by opponents.
Thackeray’s allegations have intensified the election atmosphere in Maharashtra, casting doubts on the fairness of the electoral system. Meanwhile, SEC Dinesh Waghmare defended the new rules, citing a previous order allowing door-to-door campaigns after public campaigning ends. He clarified that personal interactions with voters are permitted, with restrictions on the use of microphones and large groups during such visits.
