‘It is really surprising’: Fadnavis on Bombay HC order postponing Maharashtra local body polls counting

Speaking to the media in Mumbai, Fadnavis said, “It is really surprising. In my 25-year political career, I have never seen anything like this happen in local body elections. Since the decision came from the court, we cannot comment. Everybody has to accept and adhere to the court’s decision.”

Fadnavis, however, said that he wants to highlight the “systemic failure” in processes. “First, the State Election Commission rescheduled local body elections in several districts a couple of days ago at the eleventh hour. And now, the counting has been postponed.”

“The question is why should the political workers and candidates who are seriously working hard and seeking mandate in local bodies be subjected to these uncertainties arising from systemic shortcomings,” he said.

“I am just expressing my disappointment. Even yesterday, when the SEC decided to reschedule polls in several places, I strongly expressed my disappointment,” he added.

Fadnavis said his sincere request to the SEC is to ensure that all upcoming local body elections are not affected by uncertainties arising from process-related issues.

Bombay High Court order on counting

A bench of Justices Anil S Kilor and Rajnish R Vyas passed an order Tuesday on pleas seeking a declaration of results for municipal council and municipal panchayat elections on the same day. The court on Monday asked the SEC to reconsider its decision to declare the election results in phases.

The court on Tuesday directed that the elections to the civic bodies will be held on the same dates as per the schedule; however, counting and the declaration of results will be on December 21. The HC directed that the Model Code of Conduct will be required to be followed till the declaration of results, and that no exit polls will be permitted till then.