Maharashtra local body polls: Congress seeks to extend deadline for submitting objections to draft voters’ list

The letter stated that in many municipal corporations, the draft voter lists are not divided properly ward-wise, the names of many voters have moved from their residential areas to other areas and the number is large.

“The method of receiving objections is also very complicated and each person has to apply in the prescribed form and attach their Aadhaar card. If any person or political party brings a proper objection and suggestion to the notice of the competent election officer, then the complaint against many persons should be accepted, which does not seem to be happening today,” it said.

The letter demanded that to bring clarity and transparency regarding the voter lists, it is necessary to record the complaints of political parties and every citizen.

“Since the number of citizens in the ward is also large, it will take time to check the voter lists, so the time should be extended,” it said.

In addition, opposition Nationalist Congress Party (SP) working president and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule too has written to State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare that at many places during the ongoing local body polls, pressure has been exerted by using anti-democratic means and by creating an atmosphere of fear to force candidates to withdraw candidature.

“…it is seen that a large number of elections are being held unopposed. It is creating a situation which is very serious and worrying. Also, indications are being received from many places that in some places pressure is being exerted, in some places an atmosphere of fear is being created, while in some places various anti-democratic means are being used. Due to which capable and interested candidates are being deprived of even filing nominations,” the letter from Sule said.

She requested that the matter be given due attention and necessary steps be taken. “Wherever complaints of pressure, use of force or any kind of improper acts are received, proper investigations should be conducted and strict and necessary action should be taken,” it demanded.