Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora has formally objected to the State Election Commission, seeking the disqualification of multiple candidates for allegedly using unauthorized digital signatures on crucial nomination documents. Deora emphasized the importance of Form A and Form B, which authorize party officials to nominate candidates and approve official candidates to use the party’s symbol, respectively.
Deora pointed out that various political parties have been submitting these forms with digital or computerized signatures, contrary to the SEC’s guidelines that mandate physical signatures by authorized party members. He argued that the use of digital signatures undermines the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, stating that candidates relying on such signatures have filed nominations without proper authorization.
The MP urged the SEC to invalidate all forms with digital signatures, reject nominations based on them, disqualify candidates who submitted such forms, and ensure strict adherence to physical signature protocols by Returning Officers. This objection arises amid crucial local body elections in Maharashtra, with Deora cautioning that accepting digital signatures could establish an unlawful advantage for parties and compromise traditional verification methods.
In related news, the ruling Mahayuti alliance has faced challenges in reaching agreements in 24 out of 29 municipal corporations, leading to intra-party contests in several cities. Notably, BJP, Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP will compete against each other in various municipalities, including Jalna, Latur, Pune, Mumbai, and Thane. The article also highlights specific locations where different alliances are formed and direct contests are expected between Mahayuti parties.
