Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Elections before November 26, announces CEC Rajiv Kumar

INDC Network : Maharashtra : Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announced the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra, saying that these elections will be held before 26 November 2024, as the term of the current assembly is ending at the same time. He gave this information during a press conference in Mumbai on 28 September 2024.

At the press conference, Rajiv Kumar informed that the election preparations in Maharashtra are being reviewed and all the necessary electoral processes are being completed in the state. He informed that many political parties have requested to announce the dates of elections keeping in mind festivals like Diwali. He hoped that the people of Maharashtra will actively participate in this celebration of democracy.

Responding to questions related to transfers and postings of officers by the Election Commission, Rajiv Kumar said that all officers will be placed under the Election Commission on "deemed deputation" during the elections. He also clarified that the decision regarding officers who are on extension or contract after retirement will depend on where they are posted. In particular, if their postings can influence the elections, they will be dealt with immediately. He talked about ensuring that there is no interference in the election process.

In this context, Maharashtra Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, who is on a two-year extension after retirement, was also discussed. The opposition has demanded her removal as they believe she can influence the elections. To this, the CEC assured that the elections will be fair and free.

Also expressing concern over low voter turnout in urban areas, Rajiv Kumar said the Commission aims to ensure maximum voting in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. He gave the example of areas like Colaba and Kalyan in Mumbai, which had the lowest voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year. He said daily wage earners and unorganised sector workers will be informed that polling day will be a paid holiday to encourage them to participate in the voting.

Besides, Rajiv Kumar called upon the Maharashtra government to transfer officers who have been posted in their home district or current post for more than three years. He has sought a compliance report on this within the next few days.

The CEC also made voters aware to know about the criminal background of candidates and sought an explanation from political parties on the selection of such candidates. He promised to thoroughly check the helicopters used during election campaigns so that there is no temptation in the elections.

Further, issuing a stern warning against fake news and deepfake technology on social media, he said that strict action will be taken against such criminals. On a question on the phases of elections, he said, "You will know when the time comes."