ECI expresses dissatisfaction over voter inconvenience at Mumbai polling stations

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 27 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) expressed dissatisfaction over the inconvenience faced by voters at polling stations in Mumbai during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, sources told ANI.
According to the sources, in a review meeting with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and other senior government officials, the ECI emphasised the need to ensure all minimum assured facilities at polling stations, such as benches, fans, drinking water, and shelters. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar stated that the Commission will take strict action on any complaints of voter inconvenience on election day.
An ECI delegation led by CEC Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, is in Mumbai to review preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra over the next two days.
Sources told ANI that CEC Rajiv Kumar also stressed the importance of proper queue management at polling stations. Additionally, the CEC expressed displeasure over the low volume of seizures during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and emphasised a zero-tolerance approach towards the distribution of inducements during the upcoming state elections.
The Chief Secretary was directed to ensure the appointment of vacant assistant returning officers, which are currently pending.
Earlier, during a review meeting for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, the CEC reiterated the importance of free, fair, and inducement-free elections. He emphasised that all political parties should be given a level playing field and that borders would be sealed to prevent any disturbances from neighbouring states. The term of the Maharashtra Assembly is set to end in the last week of November. (ANI)