Uddhav Thackeray Questions Election Commission Procedures Amid Public Meeting

During a recent public gathering, Uddhav Thackeray raised concerns over the inspection of his bag. A video shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) showed the bag-checking process and Uddhav Thackeray’s interaction with officials upon his arrival.

In the footage, Thackeray asked officials whose bags they had inspected before his. Thackeray clarified that he was not opposed to having his bag checked but asked the election authorities if they had conducted similar checks for CM Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Election Commission’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in Focus

The Election Commission of India (ECI) emphasized that security checks for all political leaders must be strictly enforced to ensure a fair competition. This statement follows allegations that opposition leaders’ belongings are unfairly scrutinized. ECI officials confirmed that Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had instructed enforcement agencies to check helicopters and belongings of all leaders, ensuring consistent and impartial application of security protocols throughout the ongoing elections.

According to The Indian Express, sources within the EC confirmed that enforcement agencies carried out these checks on helicopters and luggage in line with the poll body’s SOP. The SOP mandates that during election times, bags on chartered flights must be screened by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) or police personnel.

“A similar issue came up during the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, following which the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar issued a clarification. The CEO explained that these checks were conducted as per the SOP. The post also noted that BJP president JP Nadda’s helicopter was checked on April 24 in Bhagalpur, and Home Minister Amit Shah’s chopper was checked on April 21 in Katihar,” the report cited from an EC source.

Political Tensions Heighten as Polling Nears in Maharashtra

Voting in Maharashtra is scheduled for November 20. The BJP, currently aligned with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena under the Mahayuti banner, will compete against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. The MVA comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar, and the Congress. At the public meeting, Thackeray was seen telling officials that he also wished to view footage of inspections on Narendra Modi’s and other senior leaders’ belongings.

Uddhav Thackeray shared this account while addressing a rally at Wani in Yavatmal for party candidate Sanjay Derkar.

Thackeray expressed a desire to see footage showing officials inspecting the belongings of Narendra Modi and other senior leaders. He urged party members and supporters to scrutinize the pockets and identification of officials who conduct these checks.

Election Commission Reaffirms Fair Inspections Amid Allegations of Bias

Officials explained that Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had already directed enforcement agencies to check the helicopters of all leaders to uphold this fairness when announcing the ongoing assembly elections. “With reference to the checking of leaders using choppers, there have been strict SOPs followed by enforcement agencies for a level playing field,” officials stated. They noted that similar concerns were raised during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, at which time it was clarified that the helicopters of notable leaders like JP Nadda, the National President of the BJP, and Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister were also inspected in line with the SOP.

On Tuesday, Uddhav Thackeray’s bag was checked once again in Latur. The ECI had previously stated that security protocols apply equally to all political parties and candidates to ensure a fair electoral process. Local officials also confirmed that senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari’s bag was checked the same day at Killari.

Strict Protocols in Place for Leaders’ Helicopter and Bag Checks

In a statement released Tuesday evening, the state Chief Electoral Office reiterated its commitment to free and fair elections since the implementation of the model code of conduct. “During the election period, eminent leaders and star campaigners of various parties travel by air, and their helicopters or airplanes are also inspected. No exceptions are made for political parties or any individual.”

A stationary survey team is assigned to check every vehicle passing through, with a police constable and personnel from revenue and other departments. The statement also assured that care is taken to avoid causing inconvenience to citizens when no suspicious items are found during inspections.

A senior official from the Chief Electoral Office reported, “No exception is being made for political parties or any other entity.” The teams are directed to seize any cash, liquor, valuables, or other suspicious items found during these checks. So far, enforcement agencies have confiscated assets worth over Rs 500 crores in the state, demonstrating a firm crackdown on attempts to influence voters with cash and freebies.

The office has also encouraged voters to support the authorities by reporting any vote-buying attempts or other misconduct via the CVJIL app. “The model code of conduct strictly prohibits any kind of enticement of voters by political parties or candidates. We are committed to conducting these elections in a fair and transparent manner,” added the official.