The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has taken decisive action against two officials after a video surfaced showing a minor boy allowed to enter a polling booth during the recent Zilla Parishad elections. This incident occurred at the Yashwant Nagar polling station in Akluj on February 7, where the boy was accompanying his father, Arjun Sinh Mohite Patil, a candidate from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
The viral video raised significant concerns regarding election integrity, as it appeared to show the 14-year-old boy pressing the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) button alongside his father. The SEC's review of the incident revealed clear violations of election protocols, prompting them to act swiftly. In a letter to the Solapur collector dated February 10, the SEC outlined its findings, emphasizing that allowing a child into the polling compartment contravened established election rules.
- Immediate suspension ordered — both the polling officer, Anna Savata Budhe, and police constable, Gajanan Sitaram Rajut, face suspension for their negligence.
- FIR registered against Mohite Patil — an FIR has been lodged concerning the incident, mandating further investigation.
- Compliance report required — the district administration has been tasked with submitting a detailed compliance report regarding the actions taken.
The SEC's actions reflect a commitment to uphold electoral integrity and ensure adherence to regulations. Both Budhe and Rajut are expected to face departmental disciplinary proceedings following their suspension. The commission has made it clear that such lapses will not be tolerated, as they undermine the democratic process.
In light of this incident, the SEC is also calling for a broader review of polling practices to prevent similar occurrences in future elections. The consequences of this case may serve as a deterrent to other officials, reinforcing the importance of strict adherence to electoral laws. The SEC's proactive measures aim to restore public confidence in the electoral system, especially in light of the sensitive nature of the upcoming elections.
