Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar during a press conference regarding Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections 2024 in Mumbai on September 28, 2024. Photo credit: Emmanuel Yogini.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajeev Kumar on Saturday (September 28, 2024) said that elections in Maharashtra should be held before November 26, as the term of the current assembly is coming to an end.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai after reviewing the state’s election preparations, Mr. Kumar mentioned that political parties have requested to announce election dates keeping in mind festivals like Diwali. All political parties have asked us to consider upcoming festivals while announcing election dates. I am confident that Maharashtra will actively contribute to the festival of democracy,” he said.

In response to a question from Hindu about Official Transfers and Appointments – Especially on extension of post-retirement heads of key departments – Mr. Kumar said that during elections, all officers are placed under the Election Commission on deemed deputation. “All the people who are on extensions and contracts, depending on where they are (posted), it’s decided on a case-by-case basis. But, if they’re in a position which may affect the election, they will be dealt with and interference in the process will not be allowed.

Maharashtra’s Director General of Police, Rashmi Shukla, is currently serving a two-year extension after her retirement, leading the opposition to demand her immediate removal amid concerns that she could influence elections. can do

The CEC also expressed concern over low voter turnout in urban areas while noting efforts to maximize participation in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. He cited areas like Colaba and Kalyan in Mumbai that had the lowest voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.

He stressed the importance of informing daily wage earners and others in the unorganized sector that there will be a pay holiday on polling day, with the aim of increasing turnout. He added that our aim is to ensure maximum voter registration and participation in these elections.

The CEC also asked the Maharashtra government to transfer officials who are in their home district or on their current posting for more than three years, and sought a compliance report on the same in the next few days.

Mr. Kumar reiterated the importance of voters being aware of the criminal background of candidates, urging political parties to provide clear explanations for fielding such candidates. He also noted that the helicopters used during the election campaign would be thoroughly checked to ensure fraud-free elections in Maharashtra.

He also issued a warning against the use of fake news and deepfake technology on social media and promised strict action against the culprits. “I am confident that Maharashtra will actively participate in the upcoming festival of democracy,” he said.

On whether the elections would be held in one or more phases, Kumar replied, “You will know in time.” He further said that there will be 1,00,186 polling booths for the assembly elections.

The CEC and his team, including Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sindhu, met representatives of 11 political parties, including BSP, AAP, CPI (M), INC, M NS, SP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Shiv Sena, to discuss election preparations.