Ban slippers within 200 metres of polling booths: Candidate’s strange request turned down in Paranda

According to the Election Commission of India’s code of conduct, candidates cannot display their symbols near polling stations. In a November 14 letter addressed to the returning officer, Kamble argued that allowing voters or officials to wear slippers near the booths could inadvertently breach the rules.

“As per the Model Code of Conduct, electoral symbols are not to be allowed within 200 meters of the polling centre. My symbol is slipper (chappal), so please issue necessary directives to ban the entry of chappals within 200 metres of the polling stations. This would constitute a violation of the Model Code of Conduct,” his letter said.

In reply, the returning officer pointed out that slippers are items of daily use and a ban on them would not be possible.

Kambale said, “This is not acceptable to me. I will appeal to the collector and, if necessary, would move the court also.”

Kambale stated that while the hand is an election symbol, it cannot be separated from the body. “People can leave their slippers and come to vote,” he argued.

Kambale is one the 21 candidates in the fray from this seat represented by Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant of Shiv Sena. This is Kambale’s second time in the poll arena in Paranda, where he runs a gym and is actively involved in local social activities.

Sawant is looking to retain the seat and is facing former MLA Rahul Mote from the NCP (SP) and Rajendra Gapat of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held on November 20 and the votes will be counted on November 23.