Mumbai: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar kicked up a storm today with his comments on bogus voting at a function in Navi Mumbai.
Mr Pawar asked workers of his party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), to take advantage of the multi-phase polling in Maharashtra by voting twice – first at their hometowns and then at places of work.
While addressing a gathering of “mathadi” workers (head loaders) who hail from Satara district in Western Maharashtra, the NCP chief said, “Last time (in 2009), the polling in Satara and Mumbai was on the same day and people went to their hometowns.
Mr Pawar went on to warn them to take necessary precautions. He added, “Do erase the ink mark which will be put when you vote first”.
Later in the day, Mr Pawar clarified by saying, “My quote has been pulled out of context. This meeting was not a political meeting or a rally. This gathering was to commemorate the death anniversary of Annasaheb Patil, their late leader. The head-loaders are a community from Western Maharashtra, who live in Mumbai. It was a comment in jest.
The Opposition was quick to attack Mr Pawar for his controversial comments. BJP Spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said, “It shows how they have won seats in the past. It’s a violation of code of conduct. We shall complain to the Election Commission but we are waiting for the waiting for the Election Commission to take cognizance of it. Not only is this a violation but it is also a crime to motivate or ask someone to vote in two constituencies.”
Mr Pawar, who is a veteran politician, will find it difficult to explain his comments. Sections 171D and 171F of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which deal with offences related to personation at elections, terms this as a cognizable offence and lays down a punishment of one year’s imprisonment or fine or both. The law says, “who having voted once at such election applies at the same election for a voting paper in his own name, and whoever abets, procures or attempts to procure the voting by any person in any such way, commits the offence of personation at an election.”
Voting for the General Elections in Maharashtra will be held in three phases on April 14, April 17 and April 24. Satara district will vote in the second phase while Mumbai and surrounding areas will vote in the third phase on April 24.
