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A plan to “hold re-election using ballot papers” in Markadwadi village of Maharashtra’s Malshiras assembly constituency – to “verify” polling done through EVMs – was cancelled after the police warned of action citing orders of the administration.
The “polling” was to start at 8 am, but the police issued prohibitory orders to prevent people from gathering. Elected NCP (SP) candidate Uttamrao Jankar, who led the call for re-polling, claimed the plan was cancelled following police pressure.
The village is considered Jankar’s stronghold. In the November 20 state polls, the results of which were declared on November 2, Jankar defeated sitting BJP legislator Ram Satpute by 13,147 votes.
Jankar won the seat, but Markadwadi residents claimed he polled fewer votes in their village against Satpute, which was implausible. Jankar got 843 votes, while BJP candidate Satpute got 1,003 votes in the village.
After the administration raised objections about the re-polling, heavy police deployment was arranged in the village. Some villagers printed ballot papers with the names of all candidates and party symbols in the same sequence as they appeared on EVMs. Five “booths” were prepared, and electoral rolls were kept ready.
“The police were visiting every house in the village, warning them of action if they participated in repolling. A few people had come out, but many preferred to stay home fearing police action,” he claimed, citing this as the reason re-polling was cancelled.
The newly elected NCP (SP) legislator said they would continue their protest by other means. “We will take this issue up with the Election Commission and the judiciary,” he said.
