Maharashtra: Preparations were made for re-polling in this village, votes were to be cast through ballot paper, suddenly it was cancelled, know the whole matter.

In Markadwadi village of Malshiras assembly constituency of Maharashtra, a plan was drawn up to conduct re-election using ballot papers to verify the voting done through EVMs. However, it was canceled after the police warned of action citing administration orders. Voting was to begin at 8 am, but police issued prohibitory orders to prevent people from gathering. Elected NCP (SP) candidate Uttamrao Jankar, who led the call for repoll, claimed that the plan was canceled after police pressure.

This village is considered the stronghold of Jankar. In the state elections held on 20 November, the results of which were declared on 2 November, Jankar defeated sitting BJP MLA Ram Satpute by 13,147 votes. Jankar won the seat, but Markadwadi residents claimed that he got less votes in their village against Satpute, which was unbelievable. Jankar got 843 votes in the village, while BJP candidate Satpute got 1,003 votes.

Following the administration’s objection to re-polling, heavy police arrangements were made in the village. Some villagers printed ballot papers containing the names and party symbols of all the candidates in the same order as they appear on the EVM. Five booths were prepared, and the voter list was kept ready. The police was visiting every house in the village and warning of action against those taking part in re-polling. Some people had come out, but fearing police action many people preferred to stay at home.