EC Urges Maharashtra Police To Curb Politically Motivated Crimes Ahead Of Assembly Elections

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has emphasized the need for heightened vigilance among Maharashtra Police in light of rising politically motivated crimes in the state.

This call to action comes during a critical period as Maharashtra and Jharkhand prepare for their upcoming Assembly elections, with polling set for November 20 in Maharashtra and November 13 and 20 in Jharkhand.

The urgency of the situation has been amplified by the recent murder of senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, who was shot outside his office in Mumbai on October 12. The notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for this crime, raising concerns about the electoral atmosphere in Maharashtra.

During a review meeting involving chief secretaries, police chiefs, and top officials from Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and neighbouring states, Kumar directed the Maharashtra Police to ensure a strict clampdown on any activities that could disrupt the electoral process. He insisted on the deployment of additional police forces to prevent any untoward incidents.

In addition to addressing violent crimes, the Election Commission has launched an aggressive campaign against the inflow of inducements, including cash, liquor, narcotics, and precious metals, into the election environment. So far, seizures worth ₹345 crore have been reported across Maharashtra and Jharkhand since the announcement of the elections, surpassing the total recoveries made during the 2019 elections. In Maharashtra alone, over ₹175 crore has been seized, while Jharkhand has reported recoveries amounting to ₹114 crore.

To tackle the issue of contraband movement, the Chief Election Commissioner has ordered the establishment of patrolling units at the borders of Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Authorities have been tasked with identifying entry and exit points to monitor and curb the trafficking of illegal items, including narcotics, liquor, and weapons.

As the states gear up for elections, the Election Commission remains focused on maintaining a level playing field and ensuring that the electoral process is free from the influence of crime and corruption. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 23, marking a critical period in the political landscape of both states.