Opposition sees red over SEC nod to door-to-door visits during silent period in Maharashtra civic polls: 'Canvassing at govt's behest'

The SEC had earlier announced that campaigning for the BMC polls would conclude at 5.30 pm on January 13, or two days before polling, as is normally the case.

• Maharashtra SEC allows door-to-door campaigning during 48-hour silent period
• Candidates barred from using loudspeakers, large groups, or party colours
• Opposition criticizes SEC, alleging rule changes favor ruling parties

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The State Election Commission (SEC) in Maharashtra allowed door-to-door campaigning into the 48-hour “silent period” before voting began on Thursday.

However, it prohibited civic poll candidates from using microphones and moving in large groups during door-to-door canvassing, citing its decision to allow only limited personal outreach after the end of the public campaign.

The SEC had earlier announced that campaigning for the BMC polls would conclude at 5.30 pm on January 13, or two days before polling. Later, the SEC allowed candidates to continue door-to-door visits, and this can now happen even while voting is in process on Thursday, with the candidates barred only from “displaying party colours”.

Opposition parties have criticised the decision, alleging that it weakens restrictions imposed by the election authority itself and allows candidates to continue campaigning in person despite the formal end of public canvassing.

Elections to 29 municipal corporations in the state is being held on Thursday.

Candidates are permitted to meet voters personally and undertake door-to-door visits beyond a 100-metre radius of polling stations even after the closing of public campaigning, but without supporters and without the use of loudspeakers or electronic media, as per the SEC's order.

The poll body has cited an order dated February 14, 2012, to clarify that such personal contact does not amount to public canvassing and is subject to strict conditions.

As per the directive, campaigning through electronic media, including SMS, is prohibited after the public campaign period ends.

The order has been circulated to all municipal commissioners and district collectors for implementation.

What does the Opposition say?

MNS chief Raj Thackeray slammed the SEC move, claiming it was helping the ruling Mahayuti win the polls.

He also questioned the poll body's move to use the Printing Auxiliary Display Unit (PADU) in the polls without informing the stakeholders.

The SEC was changing rules on the eve of the January 15 polls to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra, he told reporters.

"The SEC is helping the government win the polls that it has lost," the MNS leader claimed, asking why this new norm of allowing door-to-door campaigning till the last day was introduced, and why it was not allowed during the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the SEC has given a license to the BJP, Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to "distribute money door-to-door." The official public canvassing for the polls ended on Tuesday evening.