Mumbai: In a dramatic turn of events, plans for a symbolic “re-election” using ballot papers in Markadwadi village, Maharashtra, were thwarted after the police issued prohibitory orders and warned of legal action. The initiative, spearheaded by villagers dissatisfied with the recent assembly election results, highlighted growing concerns over the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

The plan was set in motion after villagers expressed disbelief over the results in their locality during the November 20 state elections. Although the elected NCP (SP) candidate, Uttamrao Jankar, won the Malshiras assembly seat with a margin of 13,147 votes, he received only 843 votes in Markadwadi compared to BJP’s Ram Satpute, who secured 1,003. Many villagers found this outcome improbable, given the area’s perceived support for Jankar.

Villagers Organize A Mock Election

Determined to test the results, some villagers organized a mock election with printed ballot papers replicating the official candidates and symbols. Five makeshift booths and electoral rolls were prepared to conduct the poll. However, heavy police deployment and administrative restrictions stopped the plan from taking off.

Malshiras Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vijaya Pangarkar Dismisses Villager's Plea

The Malshiras sub-divisional magistrate, Vijaya Pangarkar, had earlier dismissed the villagers’ plea for a ballot-based re-poll, calling it illegal and outside the election’s lawful scope. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita were imposed from December 2 to 5, barring gatherings. “The elections were conducted transparently. Conducting an unofficial poll now violates the law,” Pangarkar stated.

Deputy Superintendent Of Police Narayan Shirgavkar Warns Of Strict Legal Action

Deputy Superintendent of Police Narayan Shirgavkar warned villagers of strict legal action. “Even casting a single vote would have led to cases being registered,” he said, revealing that police officers visited homes to ensure compliance.

Later, MLA Jankar informed the media that after police warnings and the imposition of Section 144, the villagers of Markadwadi decided to amicably cancel their election. "If the police won’t allow us to vote and seize our ballot box, there’s no point in holding the election. Instead, we will organize a rally and create awareness among the people in the future," Jankar stated.

The heavy deployment of 250-300 police personnel, including SRPF units, in a village of just 350-400 households drew sharp criticism from political leaders.

NCP MLA Rohit Pawar questioned the necessity of such measures: "Was it really necessary to deploy such a large police force in Markadwadi today? Was there a need to block the test polls? Is the government afraid of the truth coming out? These are questions the government and the Election Commission must answer."

Shiv Sena-UBT Leader Aaditya Thackeray Reacts Strongly

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also reacted strongly, accusing the Election Commission of succumbing to political pressure. "Why is the Election Commission scared? Or is it the incoming government that has ordered this curfew? One lie to protect another. This is a stolen mandate, for the world to see how democracy is killed in India," he said.

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole Lauds Villagers' Resilience

Congress state president Nana Patole lauded the villagers’ resilience while condemning the administration's actions. "Salute to the courage of the villagers of Markadwadi. The administration is behaving like the British. This has raised serious questions about the integrity of EVMs and the electoral process itself. If there’s nothing wrong with the voting process, why is the administration afraid to let a small village vote? Under BJP pressure, the administration has lost a crucial chance to prove the flawlessness of EVM voting. The villagers of Markadwadi have ignited a significant struggle for democracy, and the Congress stands with them. This battle will escalate into a bigger war, and democracy will ultimately prevail," he declared.

About The Incident

The incident has sparked a heated political debate, with leaders uniting to demand accountability from the government and Election Commission, as the struggle for democratic rights in Markadwadi takes center stage.

Meanwhile, BJP’s Ram Satpute claimed the unrest was orchestrated by BJP MLC Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil to undermine state governance. “This wasn’t a grassroots movement. It was a politically motivated scheme led by Mohite Patil,” Satpute alleged.

The incident has reignited the national debate over EVM credibility, with opposition parties using Markadwadi’s actions to question the fairness of India’s electoral process. For the villagers, the failed mock election symbolizes a broader struggle to address perceived injustices, even as authorities maintain the sanctity of official procedures