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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has escalated its concerns regarding Maharashtra’s failure to comply with its directives regarding the transfer of officials ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The ECI issued a directive on July 31st, demanding the relocation of officials who have served in their home district or current posting for over three years. This directive, intended to ensure a fair and impartial electoral process, was also issued to Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Jharkhand. While the other states and union territory have complied, Maharashtra has fallen short, leaving over 100 inspector-level officers and key revenue officials in their current positions.
The ECI’s frustration is palpable. Despite repeated reminders and a deadline of August 20th for compliance reports, Maharashtra has yet to provide a comprehensive response. The Chief Secretary, Sujata Saunik, has assured the ECI that a compliance report will be submitted by Monday, but this delay has already raised concerns about the state government's commitment to a fair election. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has expressed his displeasure, stating that the non-compliance undermines the ECI's efforts to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
The ECI’s letter to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra demands an explanation for this delay. It highlights the importance of timely compliance with its directives and underscores the potential consequences of continued inaction. The ECI has made it clear that it will not tolerate further delays and will take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role played by the ECI in overseeing fair and credible elections, and the importance of state governments working in cooperation with the Commission to ensure the smooth functioning of the electoral process.