Traditionally, Maharashtra’s elections align with Haryana’s, but this year they are separated. Here’s why:
Reasons for Decoupling Elections
Security Needs in J&K
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) faces significant security challenges due to its tumultuous history and current situation.
The 2019 revocation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to the region, intensified the situation, leading to increased militant activities and heightened unrest. This move required a substantial deployment of security forces to prevent violence and ensure the safety of voters, election officials, and candidates. The security setup must address threats from militant groups and manage potential unrest and public demonstrations.
Heavy Rainfall & Festive Season in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has been grappling with severe rainfall, which has had a significant impact on electoral preparations. The extensive monsoon rains have caused flooding and infrastructure damage, delaying the updating of the voters’ list. This delay affects the accuracy of the electoral roll and complicates the logistics of organizing and managing the elections.
Additionally, the festive season—featuring Ganesh Festival, Pitru Paksha, Navratri, and Diwali—further complicates the situation. These festivals see large public gatherings, which can be challenging to manage alongside election preparations. The combination of weather-related disruptions and the high volume of festive activities has created a perfect storm of logistical issues, necessitating additional time for the Election Commission to ensure everything is in place for a smooth electoral process.
Political Context
In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP won the most seats but did not secure a majority, leading to a standoff with its ally, the Shiv Sena, over power-sharing and the chief minister’s position. Amid failed negotiations, President’s Rule was imposed on November 12, 2019. In a surprising turn, the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress, resulting in Uddhav Thackeray becoming Chief Minister on November 28, 2019. This coalition, known as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), replaced the BJP-led government, which had briefly returned under Devendra Fadnavis before the imposition of President’s Rule, making it one of the shortest chief ministerial tenures in Maharashtra’s history. However, after a political shift, the BJP is now back in power in the state through an alliance with Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction. This shift has influenced the political landscape and added to the complexity of scheduling elections.
Political Reactions
Political parties in Maharashtra have criticized the ECI for separating Maharashtra’s elections from Haryana’s, arguing it undermines the principle of synchronized elections. Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray has questioned the decision.
The ECI’s decision reflects the need to address specific challenges in each state: heightened security concerns in J&K and logistical issues in Maharashtra. This approach aims to ensure a fair and secure electoral process despite the unique difficulties faced.
Links :
https://www.eci.gov.in/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Maharashtra_Legislative_Assembly_election
