Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 27 : Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, during the review meeting on Friday with Maharashtra top officials, asked why more than 100 police inspectors are holding key positions in Mumbai.
Sources said that the CEC Rajiv Kumar said that despite a directive issued on July 31, 2024, to relocate officials who have served in their home district or current posting for over three years, the state administration has not completed the process.
CEC Rajiv Kumar asked Chief Secretary that, despite clear direction from ECI, why
state is reluctant to transfer revenue officers at key posts in state. EC conveys displeasure and seeks explanation.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has expressed his displeasure over the state administration's non-compliance.
The Election Commission of India (EC) has demanded an explanation from the Chief Secretary (CS) and Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra for failing to fully implement its orders on the transfer of officials ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
He further reprimanded the Excise Commissioner of Maharashtra and gave strict instructions to dry up the flow of illicit liquor from neighbouring states ahead of the upcoming elections in the state.
"Directed Excise Commissioner to keep a close eye on the movement and distribution of any kind of illegal liquor in state," sources said.
According to the sources, during the review meeting, Rajiv Kumar directed enforcement agencies to ensure the helicopters of all leaders and star campaigners are checked as per protocol and said that "no favours to anyone and all to be treated equally."
The Commission further directed enforcement agencies that no cash may flow in vehicles disguised as police vans and ambulances.
Sources said that the CEC Rajiv Kumar said that agencies should closely monitor illegal cash movement, especially under the cover of police vans and ambulances or through any other means. Teams also need to improvise with new methods of movement of inducements.
It further added that the banks are told to transfer money only during designated hours in designated vehicles. EC prohibited the cash movement of banks after sunset.
The CEC also directed the Narcotics Control Bureau Director to keep a close eye on the inter-border drug movement.
The CEC asked to ensure strict vigil on critical routes. Intelligence sharing among agencies is a must.
An ECI delegation led by CEC Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, is in Mumbai to review preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra over the next two days.
Maharashtra legislative assembly elections will be held in 288 constituencies. The Election Commission of India has yet to announce the dates for the election.
The upcoming Maharashtra election will see a contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, comprising the UBT Shiv Sena, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, and the Maha Yuti Alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).