Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer Responds to Rahul Gandhi's Demands

Strategic Insights -

Rahul Gandhi had questioned the conduct and alleged malpractices in the Maharashtra legislative Assembly elections, following which the office of Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer issued an official statement. The statement clarified that electoral rolls are shared with all recognised political parties, including the Congress, twice during the annual revision exercise. Additionally, the CEO stated that a complete copy of the electoral roll used in the General Elections to Legislative Assembly, Maharashtra-2024, is available on the website for free download, and earlier electoral rolls can be obtained from the District Election Officer on payment of a prescribed fee.

Key Takeaways:

  • The office of Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) responded to Rahul Gandhi's demands, clarifying the sharing of electoral rolls with political parties.
  • Electoral rolls are revised annually and shared with recognised political parties, including the Congress, twice during the revision exercise.
  • A complete copy of the electoral roll used in the General Elections to Legislative Assembly, Maharashtra-2024, is available on the website for free download.
  • Earlier electoral rolls can be obtained from the District Election Officer on payment of a prescribed fee.
  • The CEO reiterated this statutory position to a Congress MP on May 22, 2025, in response to a request for a copy of electoral rolls.
  • The statement included the examples of electoral rolls being shared with the INC in 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024, showcasing the consistent provision of electoral rolls to political parties.

Statistics:

  • The electoral rolls are revised annually.
  • The electoral rolls are shared with recognised political parties, including the Congress, twice during the revision exercise.
  • The complete copy of the electoral roll used in the General Elections to Legislative Assembly, Maharashtra-2024, is available on the website for free download.
  • The CEO has reiterated the statutory position on multiple occasions, including May 22, 2025, in response to a request from a Congress MP.
  • The prescribed fee for obtaining earlier electoral rolls from the District Election Officer is not specified.

Sources:

  • The Indian Express: "Rahul Gandhi's 10 questions on Maharashtra elections that still await answers" (no date mentioned, but the article is dated May 14, 2024)
  • The official statement by the office of Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer (no date mentioned)