ECI Criticizes Voter Inconveniences in Mumbai: Vows Strict Measures Ahead of Maharashtra Polls

The Election Commission of India has expressed dissatisfaction with the inconveniences faced by voters during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai. In a review meeting, ECI emphasized ensuring minimum assured facilities and proper queue management, while also highlighting a zero-tolerance approach towards the distribution of inducements.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has voiced dissatisfaction over the voter inconveniences encountered during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai, sources revealed to ANI.

Sources indicate that in a review meeting involving the Chief Secretary, Director-General of Police (DGP), and other senior officials, the ECI stressed the provision of essential facilities at polling stations, including benches, fans, drinking water, and shelters. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar affirmed that the Commission would take stringent action against any complaints of voter discomfort on election day. An ECI delegation led by CEC Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, is currently in Mumbai to supervise preparations for the Maharashtra Assembly elections over the next two days.

According to ANI sources, CEC Rajiv Kumar also highlighted the critical need for effective queue management at polling places. Additionally, he expressed dissatisfaction with the low volume of seizures during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and underscored a zero-tolerance policy towards the distribution of electoral inducements during the upcoming state elections. The Chief Secretary was instructed to ensure the appointment of the pending assistant returning officers.

Previously, during a review meeting for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, the CEC reiterated the importance of conducting free, fair, and inducement-free elections. He stressed that a level playing field should be maintained for all political parties and that borders would be sealed to deter disturbances from neighboring states. The term of the Maharashtra Assembly is set to conclude in the last week of November. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)