Aaditya Thackeray Challenges EC on Counting Day CCTV Footage Release

Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray recently voiced concerns over the Election Commission of India's (ECI) refusal to release CCTV footage from the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat counting centre. This demand stems from allegations that the winning candidate's kin violated election protocols by using a mobile phone within the counting premises on June 4. A media report highlighted accusations against Mangesh Pandilkar, brother-in-law of victor Ravindra Waikar, for purportedly using a mobile device to interact with an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) during vote tallying. These claims were, however, dismissed by returning officer Vandana Suryavanshi and Mumbai police.

In light of these events, Pandilkar and a polling official named Dinesh Gurav are now facing legal action under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, charged by Vanrai police for breaching the ECI's prohibition on mobile phones in counting centres. Thackeray underscored persistent doubts about EVM tampering under the current government, even citing Elon Musk's general caution that "everything can be hacked" to bolster his argument. He criticized the Election Commission's reluctance to disclose the CCTV footage from the counting day, which he believes would substantiate his party's allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Thackeray did not mince words in his critique of the BJP, labeling them as perpetual "fraudsters" and questioning the integrity of their electoral victories. He speculated that had ballot papers been used instead of EVMs, the BJP would have secured merely 40 seats in the Lok Sabha, a stark contrast to their actual tally of 240 seats. This statement was part of Thackeray's broader commentary on what he perceives as a transparency deficit in the ECI's operations.

Addressing these concerns, returning officer Suryavanshi clarified that any release of CCTV footage from the counting centre is contingent upon authorization from a competent court. This response underscores the procedural and legal complexities surrounding electoral disputes and the mechanisms in place for their resolution.

The allegations and subsequent legal actions highlight ongoing debates around electoral integrity in India, particularly concerning EVM security and transparency. As legal proceedings unfold, this incident adds another layer to discussions about electoral reforms and the safeguarding of democratic processes.