The District Collector of Dharashiv in Maharashtra has recently corresponded with the State Election Commission, expressing apprehensions regarding the impending Lok Sabha elections within the district. Anticipating a surge in the number of candidates vying for electoral positions, Collector Sachin Ombase specifically highlighted concerns about the potential overwhelming presence of candidates from the Maratha community, posing a challenge to the capacity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to accommodate them.
In his letter, Ombase emphasized the need for guidance from the poll panel, particularly regarding the feasibility of utilizing ballot papers in such a scenario. This concern stems from the intention of Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil to field candidates from the Maratha community in every village across the district for the upcoming elections, despite the community already benefiting from a 10 percent quota in education and government jobs.
The situation in Dharashiv gains added complexity due to its status as the focal point of Manoj Jarange's activism, advocating for Maratha reservation in various spheres. With eight Lok Sabha seats in the region, the influx of candidates could potentially strain the electoral infrastructure.
Moreover, recent developments, such as the Maharashtra government's allocation of a 10 percent Maratha reservation for the agrarian Kunbi community, have further fueled discontent among Maratha leaders like Manoj Jarange Patil. This discontent manifests in their preference for a reservation separate from the existing Other Backward Classes (OBCs) category.
In light of these considerations, the district collector underscored logistical challenges associated with accommodating a significant number of candidates, including the necessity for additional manpower, officials, and vehicles. Furthermore, the practicalities of utilizing ballot papers in place of EVMs have been raised, with concerns regarding the logistics of staff training and the need for adequate space to accommodate the potentially larger ballot papers.
Collector Ombase's correspondence emphasizes the need for proactive measures, urging guidance from the Chief Election Officer to ensure the smooth conduct of elections amidst the evolving dynamics within the district. With over 736 villages in Dharashiv, and more than 150 in Barshi and Ausa talukas, the district faces unique challenges in managing the electoral process effectively. Should the number of candidates exceed the capacity of EVMs, the election must be conducted using ballot papers, per the Election Commission's guidelines, necessitating careful planning and coordination to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
