While public rallies, processions, and the use of loudspeakers are now strictly prohibited, candidates can engage in personal outreach, provided they are accompanied by less than five people
Pic/PTI
As the high-decibel public campaigning for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, came to a halt at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare clarified that candidates are still permitted to conduct "door-to-door" campaigning.
The candidates can do door-to-door campaigning on January 13 and 14 as the polling is slated for January 15, reported IANS.
No rallies, processions or loudspeakers; groups limited to five
While public rallies, processions, and the use of loudspeakers are now strictly prohibited, candidates can engage in personal outreach, provided they are accompanied by less than five people.
The announcement caused a stir during a press conference, with journalists questioning if this was a newly minted rule to favour certain candidates.
Rule in force since 2012, applied in Lok Sabha and Assembly polls
State Election Commissioner Waghmare firmly dismissed these claims, citing a standing order from February 14, 2012.
"This is not a new order as it was applied during the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections," Waghmare said.
Personal interaction allowed outside 100-metre polling booth radius
"Public campaigning -- which includes rallies and meetings -- must end 48 hours before polling. However, personal interaction is not banned. Candidates can visit homes or meet voters outside the 100-metre radius of polling booths, but they cannot use microphones or move in large groups," he added.
He reiterated that no more than five people including the candidate per group can do door-to-door campaigning.
Total ban on microphones, sound systems; cash distribution warned against
There is a total ban on microphones and sound systems, State Election Commissioner Waghmare said.
The State Election Commissioner warned that any distribution of cash or gifts is a criminal offence and is being closely monitored.
Analysts warn of disputes due to monitoring challenges
Critics and political analysts suggest that allowing door-to-door campaigning could lead to a new wave of disputes between rival factions, as monitoring individual house visits for model code of conduct violations is significantly more difficult than monitoring public rallies.
Preliminary probe clears officials in Colaba nomination row
Addressing allegations that Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar prevented Opposition candidates from filing nominations in Colaba, State Election Commissioner Waghmare said that a preliminary probe cleared election officials of wrongdoing.
"We reviewed the video footage. Officials called out for applications multiple times before the 5 pm deadline. We have requested additional footage to conclude the inquiry," he added.
SMS and electronic campaigning barred after campaign period
The poll body has cited an order dated February 14, 2012, to clarify that such personal contact does not amount to public canvassing and is subject to strict conditions.
As per the directive, campaigning through electronic media, including SMS, is prohibited after the public campaign period ends.
Order circulated to civic chiefs and collectors
The order has been circulated to all municipal commissioners and district collectors for implementation.
Report sought in alleged cash distribution case in Kalyan-Dombivli
To a query on the video allegedly showing cash distribution in Ward-29 of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, State Election Commissioner Waghmare said that he has sought a detailed report from the Municipal Commissioner Abhinav Goel regarding the incident.
Unopposed wins under scrutiny; certification pending
In areas where candidates have won unopposed, the State Election Commissioner is not yet ready to certify the results.
Reports have been demanded to ensure no pressure or coercion was used against rivals, no financial inducements were offered for withdrawals and the withdrawals were purely voluntary and free of police complaints.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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