Pune: Notices Issued to Polling Station Officers Over Rupali Chakankar’s EVM Pooja
Sinhagad Road, 13th June 2024: A video of Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rupali Chakankar performing a Pooja of an EVM machine went viral on social media. Election Commission of India (ECI) officials filed a complaint with the Sinhagad Road Police Station, resulting in a case against Chakankar. The incident occurred on 7th May at a voting center in Wadgaon Dhayari, where Chakankar conducted the Pooja. A polling officer from the same station reported the incident, citing a violation of ECI rules regarding worship at polling stations.
Following the directive of Baramati Lok Sabha Constituency’s Election Returning Officer, Kavita Dwivedi, the Sinhagad Road Police Station registered a case. Subsequently, Dwivedi submitted a report to Pune District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase, recommending disciplinary action against the polling station officers and staff. Dr. Diwase has issued notices to the polling station head, three polling officers, and one employee, stating that a decision will be made after their responses are heard.
Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, performed the EVM machine worship in a polling station within the Khadakwasla Assembly Constituency of the Baramati Lok Sabha Constituency. District Collector and District Election Officer Dr. Suhas Diwase has initiated administrative proceedings in response to the incident.
