Election Commission meeting in MaharashtraImage credit source: Twitter
The Election Commission has sought a reply from the Chief Secretary for not complying with the Maharashtra government’s transfer and posting order. Election Commission In Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, orders for the transfer of more than 100 inspector-level officers and revenue officials holding important posts were given, but not followed. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has written to the state’s Chief Secretary (CS) on Friday seeking clarification.
Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik said that the report will be filed by Monday. He said a compliance report would be filed by Monday. Several departments have passed orders on Thursday.
The commission’s letter sought an explanation from Maharashtra’s chief secretary and director general of police (DGP) for failing to fully implement the order on transfer of officers before the next assembly elections.
The Election Commission held a meeting
EC today reviews election preparations with Divisional Commissioner, Konkan and Pune, Range IG-Konkan, DEOs, all CPs, SPs along with Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburb, Thane, Pune and Palghar Districts, MCs of Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad . Remaining sections to follow tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Dc5UJBw8rY
– Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) September 27, 2024
The Election Commission on Friday informed the Divisional Commissioners of Konkan and Pune, IG of Konkan Range, District Election Officers, Thane, Pune and Palghar districts and all Commissioners of Police, Superintendents of Police of Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburb, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune. and reviewed the election preparations with Municipal Commissioners of Pimpri Chinchwad.
The Chief Election Commission had on July 31 issued a directive to transfer officers serving in their home district or in the current posting for more than three years, but the state administration has not completed the process.
The letter was for Jharkhand as well as Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. The remaining two states and union territories have responded and moved officials as needed. However, Maharashtra has not done so till date.
Election Commission upset over non-transfer
As per the Election Commission order, the compliance report was to be submitted in August, while the Additional DGP submitted a partial report, the Chief Secretary is yet to give a full response.
More than 100 inspector-level officials and revenue officials in Mumbai, many of whom hold important posts in the state, have not been transferred as required.
On Friday, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar expressed displeasure at the non-compliance by the state administration, saying the delay has dealt a blow to efforts to ensure a free and fair election process. The Election Commission has made it clear that further inactivity will not be entertained.
The Congress demanded the removal of the DGP
In the letter, the election body said the report was to be submitted by August 20 and issued reminders on August 22, September 11 and 25, directing immediate submission of the report.
It also said that the Chief Electoral Officer, Maharashtra had sent a letter dated September 13 to the Additional DGP regarding partial compliance of the commission’s instructions dated September 25. “The Commission has not yet received any report from the Chief Secretary,” it said.
On the other hand, Congress state president Nana Patole has written a letter to the Election Commission. The letter said that Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla should be immediately removed from her post to conduct fear-free and transparent assembly elections in Maharashtra.
