Mumbai: BJP leader Prabhakar Shinde has objected, and writes to BMC chief and State Election commission overdraft map of electoral Ward boundaries regarding upcoming BMC elections.
In his letter, he drafts a map published by BMC which has not kept in mind the convenience of the common public. In a letter, Shinde alleges that “this draft map looks more of part of political agenda to give advantage to one particular party. More than voters convenience priority has been given to the political party.”
In his letter he also highlights the issue, the order issued by the State election commission on 29th of December 2021 regarding how to fix boundaries of the wards for elections keeping natural boundaries as it is, BMC has not followed. He also cited clause 4.5.1 which states that ward formation should start from the north direction, towards the northeast and thereon towards the east to west, and eventually to the south direction. According to Shinde the draft map published by BMC is the ‘blatant violation’ of the State EC order.
In the letter, Shinde ha pointed out clause 4.5.2 under which houses and buildings should not get divided into two parts. He has further cited an example of ward No 31 which has been divided in such a manner that is contrary to the above clause. “Ie ward 31 instead of considering DP or major nallah as the natural boundary, small and narrow lane has been taken as boundary. Even a single building is divided into two wards. Which is going to create chaos for voters. I think it has been done to favor one particular party in the. All these things will lead to a decrease in voting percentage.” Said Shinde.
Further, he gives another example in his letter of ward No 109 which has been bifurcated in such a way that it crosses the railway line. According to the rule, the railway line should be a natural boundary throughout Mumbai city. But in this case kranti of the ward has been increasing to over 5km. ” such demarcation of the ward in the draft map has been done just to create inconvenience to voters. Which is very much u clear that it has been done by keeping political motive in the mind”.
As per Shinde, Ward numbers 29 and 36 are also an example of such biased motives. As per clause 4.5.3 wards should not get bifurcated without considering basic amenities like healthcare centers, dispensaries, water supply, local markets. But they have been bifurcated in such a way that for administrative purposes citizens will have to go to another ward office.
“Reorganised wards have been reorganized with malafide intentions and to benefit on a particular party. Its clear vendetta against BJP where we have elected councilors there for all our objection should be taken seriously and action should be taken according to conduct a free and fair election.” Said Shinde
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