Maharashtra Women Commission Chief Booked For EVM Puja At Polling Booth

In a recent incident that has stirred controversy, the Maharashtra Women Commission chairperson, Rupali Chakankar, associated with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with seven others, has been booked for allegedly conducting a puja of an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) inside a polling booth. This event took place in the Khadakwasla segment, which falls under the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, marking a clear defiance of electoral norms.

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The group reportedly ignored the directives of the presiding officer at a polling booth located in the Sinhgad Road area. They proceeded to perform puja of the EVM earlier today, as confirmed by a police official. The action led to a formal complaint by an Election Commission official, resulting in the registration of a case against Chakankar and the others involved. The charges were framed under sections 131 and 132 of the Representation of the People Act 1951, addressing penalty for disorderly conduct and misconduct near or at polling stations.

Rupali Chakankar is affiliated with the NCP, which is currently led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The incident gains additional significance due to the involvement of individuals from both factions of the NCP—SP and Shiv Sena UBT—highlighting internal party dynamics. This occurrence is set against the backdrop of a highly anticipated contest for the Baramati constituency. For the first time, members of the influential Pawar family are competing against each other following a split within the NCP.

The electoral battle in Baramati is particularly noteworthy as Sharad Pawar's daughter and incumbent MP, Supriya Sule, faces off against her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar's wife. This family rivalry adds a layer of intrigue to the election, drawing national attention to the constituency.

The act of performing puja inside a polling booth raises questions about electoral conduct and respect for democratic processes. It underscores the need for adherence to electoral guidelines to maintain the sanctity and fairness of elections. The incident also reflects on the intense political competition within Maharashtra, showcasing how electoral battles can sometimes lead to actions that challenge established norms and regulations.

As this case progresses, it will be closely watched for its implications on electoral integrity and party dynamics within Maharashtra's political landscape. The involvement of high-profile political figures in this incident has brought it to the forefront of public attention, highlighting the complexities of electoral politics in India.