Maharashtra Village Residents Face Charges for Attempting Unauthorised Re-Poll with Ballot Papers

A case has been filed against over 200 individuals from Markadwadi village and nearby areas in Solapur, Maharashtra. They allegedly attempted to conduct an unauthorised re-election using ballot papers, according to officials. The group is also accused of spreading misinformation about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Authorities stated that conducting a re-poll with ballot papers is illegal under any circumstances.

The villagers demanded a re-election with ballot papers, doubting the EVM results for a polling booth in Markadwadi during recent state elections. However, they abandoned their plan after police intervention. The village falls under the Malshiras assembly constituency, where NCP SP candidate Uttam Jankar defeated BJP's Ram Satpute by 13,147 votes in the November 20 elections, with results announced on November 23.

Allegations and Legal Actions

Residents of Markadwadi claimed that the number of votes for Jankar was less than those for Satpute, raising suspicions about EVMs. A section of villagers sought permission from the district administration for a re-poll using ballot papers, but it was denied. Solapur district collector Kumar Ashirvad confirmed that an offence was lodged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023 and the Maharashtra Police Act.

The FIR accuses the group of spreading rumours about EVM misuse through digital flex boards and social media. They falsely claimed the need for a re-poll despite no provision for such action. The accused are also charged with violating orders from the Solapur district collector and Malshiras sub-divisional magistrate by announcing an unauthorised re-poll.

Police Intervention and Prohibitory Orders

After being denied permission for a re-poll, villagers planned to proceed with voting on ballot papers on Tuesday morning. This prompted authorities to impose prohibitory orders from December 2 to 5 to prevent conflict or law and order issues. Police were deployed in large numbers as villagers prepared for the re-poll.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Narayan Shirgavkar held discussions with Jankar and other residents. "We explained legal procedures and warned that even if one vote is cast, cases will be registered," Shirgavkar said. Following talks with police officials, villagers cancelled their re-poll plan.

District collector Ashirvad emphasised the transparency of EVM-based elections. Before polls, mock-polls are conducted in the presence of political party representatives. During commissioning, parties can choose EVMs and cast votes. After polling, machines are sealed before representatives.

Security Measures and Political Reactions

Post-election, EVMs are stored in strong rooms with three-layer security. Political parties have access to CCTV footage of these rooms. On counting day, strongrooms are opened in candidates' presence, and EVMs are brought to counting tables under their watch.

Congress leader Nana Patole praised Markadwadi residents for their courage in challenging election transparency. "There is a growing suspicion among people about election fairness," he posted on X. He questioned why authorities feared allowing a small village to vote using ballot papers if there was no malpractice.

Patole criticised the administration's actions as reminiscent of British-era tactics, questioning EVM credibility and election impartiality. He suggested this struggle might evolve into a larger movement supporting democracy's victory in the future.

The situation highlights ongoing debates about EVM reliability and electoral transparency in India. As tensions rise, authorities face challenges balancing security with addressing public concerns about election integrity.