 |
|
The political landscape of Maharashtra has witnessed a recent controversy surrounding the Election Commission's (EC) security protocols, specifically the frisking of prominent leaders' belongings. The issue came to the forefront when Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray expressed his discontent after his bags were checked twice during election campaigning in Yavatmal and Latur. Thackeray questioned the EC's motives, asking if the same scrutiny would be applied to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other high-ranking officials.
In response to Thackeray's criticism, the Mahayuti leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, shared videos on social media showcasing their own baggage being checked by EC officials. Pawar, in a tweet accompanied by a video of his bag and helicopter being inspected, clarified that he fully cooperated with the process and considers it essential for ensuring fair elections. Shinde's bags were also checked at the Palghar Police ground helipad, a video of which was shared by the Shiv Sena.
The BJP, too, joined the chorus, sharing a video of its leader Devendra Fadnavis undergoing similar security checks at an airport. This incident further fueled the debate over the EC's actions and prompted the EC to issue a statement clarifying its standard operating procedures.
The EC officials maintained that security checks on aircraft and helicopters belonging to top leaders across the political spectrum are a regular practice to ensure a level playing field. They pointed out that similar checks were conducted on BJP president JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah's planes and helicopters during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. They emphasized the implementation of strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by enforcement agencies for ensuring a fair election environment.
The EC further recalled the statement of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, who during the announcement of ongoing assembly elections, had directed enforcement agencies to check helicopters of all leaders for a level playing field. The EC's clarification seems to have settled the matter, but the incident has highlighted the importance of transparency and consistency in security protocols during elections.
The controversy surrounding the bag checks has also drawn attention to the delicate balance between maintaining security and ensuring the smooth and fair conduct of elections. The EC, as the body responsible for overseeing the electoral process, has a crucial role to play in upholding the integrity of the democratic system. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for clear communication and transparent procedures to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
Source: 'Bag-checked': CM Shinde, Ajit Pawar post frisking videos as Uddhav Thackeray questions EC