Election Commission of India appointed two ex-Indian Revenue Service officers – Ms. Madhu Mahajan (ex IRS 1982) and Shri B Murali Kumar (ex IRS 1983) as Special Expenditure Observers in upcoming Maharashtra elections on Monday.
Legal Statute of the appointments-
The appointments have been made under the powers conferred on ECI under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of The Representation of the People Act 1951.
The order issued by Election Commission of India-
Ms. Madhu Mahajan has been tasked with the monitoring of the conduct of Elections. As per the orders, Her special focus will be towards controlling the abuse of money power. She will work closely with the Chief Electoral Officer at Mumbai.
While B Murali Kumar will be entrusted to look into the matters in rest of the State with officers and Election Authorities. He will be based in Pune.
Previous Electoral responsibilities of the Officials-
B Murali Kumar was appointed as Special Expenditure Observer for Vellore Parliamentary Constituency during recent Lok Sabha Elections. Ms. Madhu Mahajan was appointed as Special Expenditure Observer for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in recent Lok Sabha elections.
Details of Maharashtra Polls-
Maharashtra assembly polls are scheduled to be held on October 21. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora announced the election dates on Saturday. Maharashtra state will go to polls for its 288 assembly seat alongside Haryana state on the same day. The five-year term of the Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra is set to expire on November 9.
Detailed Schedule for the Maharashtra elections can be accessed here- Mahrasthra poll details
Important Dates for Maharashtra Polls-
- The detailed notification will be issued on September 27.
- Filing of nominations for will begin from September 27 to October 4.
- Scrutiny of applications will be done on October 5.
- Nominations withdrawal can be done till October 7.
- Elections will take place on October 21.
- Counting of votes will be done on October 24.
ECI has also fixed a deadline of 27 October before which the complete procedure of Maharashtra elections needs to be completed.
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