In light of the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra, the Election Commission on Saturday issued a strong warning to the Maharashtra government, demanding an explanation from the chief secretary and the state police chief for failing to fully implement its directives on official transfers and the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for Friday.

During a review meeting in Mumbai on Friday, Kumar raised concerns about why more than 100 police inspectors continue to occupy key positions in the city, despite an Election Commission order from July 31 directing the transfer of officials who have been in their current roles or home districts for over three years, according to ANI.

Sources disclosed that over 100 inspector-level officers in Mumbai, along with revenue officials in significant roles throughout Maharashtra, have not been transferred as required. The electoral body views these changes as essential to maintaining a fair electoral process.

Chief Election Commissioner Calls for Zero Tolerance On Inducements Ahead of Assembly Elections

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar expressed his "displeasure" regarding the low number of seizures during the Lok Sabha elections and emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards the distribution of any inducements or freebies in the upcoming assembly elections. Sources indicated that the chief secretary was instructed to ensure that the vacant Assistant Returning Officer positions are filled. 

Earlier, in a strongly worded circular, the Election Commission indicated that the Maharashtra government has not fulfilled its directive from July 31 regarding the transfer of police officers who have been in their current positions or home states for over three years. Although a compliance report was due by August 31, the new police chief submitted it only partially, and the chief secretary has yet to provide a complete response.

The Election Commission is currently on a two-day visit to Maharashtra to assess election preparedness, as the current legislative assembly's term is set to expire on November 26.