As Fadnavis objects to postponement, SEC backs decision, calls it appropriate as per rules

On Sunday, the SEC ordered suspension and revision of elections in as many as 20 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, citing pending court cases. While elections in Baramati and Phursungi municipal councils have been postponed to December 20, the polling to 10 prabhags of Talegaon Dabhade, Lonavala, Daund and Saswad municipal councils will now be held on December 20.

The chief minister also raised doubts the source of the expert advice the commission is getting. “I don’t know who the Election Commission is consulting… For instance in Nilanga area of Latur district, the entire election process has been completed. Someone whose candidature was rejected has gone to the court. The candidates who completed all formalities were ready for the polling process… Just when they were all geared up for the polling, cancelling the election at this moment is completely wrong. We will submit our written objections to the EC,” Fadnavis said.

“Though the Election Commission is an independent body, its decision to postpone the election is completely wrong. The decision is unfair to candidates who have completed the poll formalities as all their efforts is wasted and they will have to campaign for 15 more days,” the CM said.

When asked about the CM’s objections, Waghmare told The Indian Express, “Whatever we have done has been done as per the rules. We have taken an appropriate decision.”

To the CM’s contention as to who the EC has consulted, Waghmare said, “We have taken appropriate legal advice from experts.”

Like the CM, even Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar objected to the EC’s decision. “It is unfortunate… When the campaign is at the fag end, the election process has never been stopped, especially when the nomination papers are filed and nominations are withdrawn by some candidates,” he said.

Maharashtra Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe said, “Who is going to believe that the decision has not been taken after consulting the BJP or taking its advice. So far, the commission has danced to the dictates of the BJP. Every election, confusion is created so that an atmosphere is created in its favour.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut, who surfaced after being unwell for a month, said, “I don’t think it is legally appropriate to postpone the elections in this manner…” Asked about the CM objecting to EC’s decision, Raut alleged, “The decision has been jointly taken by the BJP and EC to benefit all future elections.”

AAP spokesperson Mukund Kirdat said, “If the EC is going to postpone the election process in this manner, it might set a precedent for future elections, which is harmful. If the EC had to take a decision, it should have taken much earlier. Why take it at the last moment, create confusion and cause loss to candidates and the voters? This is like setting a bad precedent.”