By | Shamsher Shaikh
Serious Irregularities Alleged in Voter Lists
Mira Bhayandar : Serious allegations have surfaced regarding large-scale irregularities in the voter list prepared for the upcoming Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation elections. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has submitted a written complaint to the Municipal Commissioner, alleging that the scam was carried out to benefit a particular political party, in collusion with local political leaders and municipal officials and staff.
Massive Errors in Draft Voter List
According to the complaint, the draft voter list contained major discrepancies. Names of voters from one ward were reportedly shifted to two or even three other wards, creating widespread confusion. As a result, around 740 complaints and objections were filed against the draft list.
However, it is alleged that serious irregularities continued even after the publication of the final voter list, raising concerns over the integrity of the election process.
Alleged Violation of State Election Commission Orders
The State Election Commission, in a written order dated December 22, had clearly stated that even after the final voter list is published, Municipal Commissioners have the authority to make corrections by passing reasoned orders if voters’ names are found to be wrongly included in other wards.
Despite this, Mira-Bhayander Municipal Commissioner Radhabinod Sharma and the civic administration allegedly told complainants that since the election process had already begun, no corrections could be made, which is being viewed as a violation of the Election Commission’s directive.
Suspicion of Political Interference
Minister Sarnaik has alleged that the voter list manipulation was done through collusion between a political party and municipal officials. As per available information, leaders of certain political parties are suspected to have remained inside the municipal office late into the night for two consecutive days, during which unauthorised and suspicious changes were allegedly made to the voter list.
Names of Officials Mentioned, CCTV Check Demanded
The complaint also raises concerns about the alleged involvement of senior municipal officials, including Additional Commissioner Priyanka Rajput, Assistant Commissioners Chandrakant Borse, Kaushik Gharat, and Mahesh Patil, along with officials and staff from the tax department. Notably, it has been mentioned that Additional Commissioner Priyanka Rajput was reportedly on long-term leave during the period in question.
Minister Sarnaik has demanded a review of CCTV footage from the municipal headquarters, stating that it would help identify who was present in the office during the relevant period and what actions were taken.
Demand for Impartial Probe and Strict Action
Calling the matter extremely serious, Minister Pratap Sarnaik has urged the authorities to conduct a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation. He has demanded immediate administrative and legal action against all officials and individuals found guilty, stating that such irregularities undermine democratic processes and public trust in elections.
Election Ahead Amid Heightened Scrutiny
The alleged voter list irregularities have surfaced at a crucial time, with the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation elections approaching, making the issue politically and administratively sensitive. The voter list forms the backbone of the democratic process, and any errors or manipulation at this stage could directly impact electoral fairness. With campaigning expected to intensify in the coming days, the controversy has added pressure on the civic administration and election authorities to ensure transparency, restore public confidence, and conduct the polls in a free and fair manner.
