MNS president Raj Thackeray alleged that the poll machinery was being used to help the ruling side.
A DAY before the voting for the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena UBT on Wednesday raised objections to the use of a new device, Printing Auxiliary Display Unit (PADU) to be attached to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), alleging that political parties were not informed and taken into confidence before deciding to use it.
MNS president Raj Thackeray said the introduction of a new machine on the eve of polling raises serious concerns about transparency. “No political party was told about this machine. It was never shown to us. What is this machine and why was it not explained to political parties?” he asked.
He alleged that the poll machinery was being used to help the ruling side.
BMC commissioner, Bhushan Gagrani, however, clarified that the units will rarely be used and only 140 of them have been sent to booths.
“We are showing the PADU machine, which will serve as a backup option for voting. A total of 140 PADU units have been sent, and Regional Officers (ROs) will manage them at the polling booths. This is the first time the machines will be used in the elections, though they will be rarely needed,” Gagrani said a in video statement.
Raj was speaking to reporters after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray visited his Shivtirth residence along with his family.
Raj said a letter has been sent to the State Election Commission in Uddhav Thackeray’s name, seeking details about the PADU machine and the process under which it is being introduced.
The PADU machine, according to election officials, is meant to act as a backup unit to assist voting in case of technical issues with EVMs.
However, Raj said that any such change should have been discussed with political parties well in advance and raised objection on its use.
“How can new systems be brought in without even informing those contesting the elections and taking the political parties into confidence,” he said.
Raj also criticised the State Election Commission’s decision allowing candidates to meet voters door-to-door till 5 pm on January 14, despite campaigning officially ending at 5 pm on January 13 and the model code of conduct coming into force.
“Earlier, there was always a gap day between the end of campaigning and polling. This was the norm in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Why has this rule changed now?” he asked.
Raj further alleged that allowing candidates to meet voters but not distribute pamphlets created scope for misuse.
“If leaflets are not allowed, what is permitted during these visits? Is money distribution being ignored?” he asked.
Targeting State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, Raj alleged that the Commission was taking decisions favourable to the ruling dispensation and accused it of helping the government gain advantage in seats where there are close contests.
He claimed the Election Commission was unwilling to answer questions raised by the Opposition.
Raj also appealed to MNS workers, as well as opposition party cadres, to remain alert and vigilant during polling on Thursday.
Curated by Shiv Shakti Mishra
