The State Election Commission (SEC) has directed the formation of a committee, headed by the chief secretary, to examine proposals seeking exemption from the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the Maharashtra local body elections.
The move follows a suggestion made during a meeting on October 16 chaired by State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare and attended by the chief secretary and senior officials from various departments, SEC said in a statement.
The committee, modelled on a similar body set up during the 2024 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections, will scrutinise all requests for MCC relaxation and recommend suitable cases to the SEC for approval, PTI reported. All government departments have been instructed to route such proposals only through this committee, the poll body added.
As per Supreme Court directives, elections for all pending local self-government bodies in the state must be completed by January 31. Polls for municipal councils and nagar panchayats have already been announced and the MCC is in place. The newly formed committee will remain operational for all upcoming local body elections.
SEC on Tuesday issued a detailed Code of Conduct for the upcoming local body elections across the state, bringing all municipal corporations, municipal councils, nagar panchayats, zilla parishads and panchayat samitis under the purview of the model code. The order will remain in force until the completion of the election process.
The directive, issued under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, 1965 and the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961, aims to ensure peaceful, transparent and fair elections in all local self-government bodies, the State Election Commission (SEC) said.
SEC appeals candidates to conduct peaceful campaigning
The SEC’s order lays down strict rules to maintain order and discipline during the poll process. It prohibits violence, intimidation or any attempt to create fear among voters. All political parties and candidates have been instructed to ensure equal opportunities for campaigning.
Loudspeaker use will not be allowed between 10 pm and 6 am during the Model Code of Conduct period. The order also bans the distribution of cash, liquor or gifts as inducements to voters. Use of government vehicles, buildings or staff for electioneering has been strictly prohibited.
The poll body has directed that no new government schemes or projects be announced or inaugurated during the election period, and that no political advertisements be issued using public funds. Violations could lead to censure, criminal proceedings, or even cancellation of candidature, warned SEC.
Voters can visit SEC’s official website: sec.maharashtra.gov.in or call on the helpline 1800-22-1950 for more details.
(With PTI inputs)
