Maharashtra Opposition Confronts Election Officials Over Voter List Irregularities Ahead of 2024 Polls

The opposition coalition in Maharashtra highlighted concerns regarding duplicate voter entries in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Mumbai:

On Tuesday, a delegation comprising Maharashtra opposition leaders convened with Central Election Commission (CEC) officials in New Delhi. They expressed serious concerns about potential irregularities in voter lists and advocated for enhanced transparency throughout the electoral process.

Following the meeting, the opposition representatives voiced their disappointment, stating that the Commission failed to provide adequate assurances or demonstrate willingness to address their fundamental concerns.

"This was disappointing," remarked Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant after the discussion. "We expected the Central Election Commission to listen to us, but they didn't seem inclined. They directed us toward the State Election Commission and provided no substantive response."

"We previously approached the State Election Commission, but they took no action. Now, even the Central Commission refuses to listen."

The delegation presented a comprehensive four-page memorandum outlining nine specific demands focused on purifying the voter list and enhancing electoral transparency. Senior opposition figures including Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, Harshavardhan Sapkal, Jayant Patil, Ajit Navale, and Subhash Lande signed this document.

"Until the situation is rectified and the voter list properly purified, local body elections should not proceed. We also request that you inform the honorable Supreme Court accordingly," stated a portion of their letter.

Among their principal concerns, the opposition emphasized alleged duplicate voter entries in both the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. They also demanded that citizens turning 18 after July be added to the electoral rolls. Additionally, they reiterated their call for stronger voter-verified audit trails (VVPAT).

MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar explained that their visit aimed to ensure "real voters get respect and fake voters are removed." He further commented, "We came with hope that the Commission would take action, but we are disappointed. Democracy requires a transparent voter list, yet the commissions are simply blaming one another."

The opposition leaders indicated they would now consult with all anti-BJP parties in Maharashtra to determine their next course of action.

"We are not requesting anything extraordinary, simply a fair electoral process," concluded Sawant.