2 hrs ago
Maharashtra Opposition Demands Action Over Election Roll Revision
Opposition parties in Maharashtra are worried about how voter lists are being checked and changed.
Their concerns followed a report that two Election Commissioners had raised objections during the process.
They say this could affect people’s right to vote.
Uddhav Thackeray demanded that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar be removed and prosecuted.
The Nationalist Congress Party called for all political parties to meet and discuss the issue.
Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan asked the Supreme Court to examine what happened.
The Election Commission said disagreements can happen during its discussions and that its decisions follow the law.
The parties also made different demands about reviewing or repeating earlier elections.
Opposition parties raised concerns after reports of dissent among Election Commissioners over the nationwide Special Intensive Revision of voter lists.
Uddhav Thackeray demanded the removal and imprisonment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and called for repolls using ballot papers in Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) called for an immediate all-party meeting, describing the matter as a constitutional emergency.
Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan urged the Supreme Court to examine the Election Commission’s functioning and called for proceedings to remove the CEC.
The Election Commission said differing views are normal, and that its orders follow statutory procedures and have full legal sanction.
- Who
- Opposition parties in Maharashtra, including Shiv Sena (UBT), the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) and Congress leaders, raised the concerns; the Election Commission defended its process.
- What
- The parties demanded action over reported objections by two Election Commissioners regarding the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists.
- Where
- The political reactions were made in Mumbai and New Delhi, concerning voter-list revisions in several Indian states.
- When
- The statements and demands were reported on Wednesday, September 23.
- Why
- Opposition leaders said the reported disagreements and alleged voter deletions could threaten citizens’ voting rights and the functioning of the Election Commission.
Opposition parties’ concerns
Election Commission’s response
Reported disagreements
Opposition parties’ concerns
Opposition leaders said objections raised by two Election Commissioners indicate a serious institutional and constitutional problem requiring public explanation and possible judicial review.
Election Commission’s response
The Election Commission said differing views and observations are a normal part of institutional deliberation.
Voter-list revisions
Opposition parties’ concerns
Opposition leaders alleged that voter names were deleted or challenged in large numbers and said the process could deprive citizens of voting rights.
Election Commission’s response
The Election Commission maintained that its orders and procedures have full legal sanction; it did not accept the opposition’s allegations in the statement quoted.
Action against the CEC
Opposition parties’ concerns
Uddhav Thackeray and other opposition figures called for Gyanesh Kumar’s removal, while Prithviraj Chavan urged proceedings for his removal and Supreme Court scrutiny.
Election Commission’s response
The Election Commission’s statement defended the validity of its collective decisions and did not endorse calls to remove the CEC.
Key facts
- Process at issue
- Nationwide Special Intensive Revision of voter lists
- Chief Election Commissioner
- Gyanesh Kumar
- Election Commissioners mentioned
- Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi
- NCP (SP) demand
- An immediate all-party meeting
- Congress demand
- Supreme Court examination and proceedings to remove the CEC
- Thackeray’s election demand
- Nullification of the last elections in Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, followed by repolls using ballot papers
- Election Commission response
- Differing views are normal, and its orders have legal sanction and follow established statutory procedures
Quotes
Prithviraj Chavan
Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister
“The Supreme Court should investigate what is happening at the Election Commission. The court can exercise its powers under Articles 32 and 142 of the Constitution.”
theprint.in
“This is not merely a political issue. It concerns the rights of every citizen of the country. It has now become a national issue.”
theprint.in
Sources
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