SIR Deadline Row: Election Commission Gives 10-Day Extension To Delhi, Ignores Maharashtra Amid Floods".

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, July 16:-A controversy has erupted over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with allegations that the Election Commission showed favoritism to Delhi while ignoring Maharashtra's request for a similar deadline extension.

WHAT HAPPENED:

Reports claiming a 10-day extension for SIR in Maharashtra went viral on social media. However, verification revealed that the extension was granted only to Delhi, based on a letter issued by Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer.

In Maharashtra, no such extension was given, leaving lakhs of voters, thousands of BLOs, and the election machinery in distress.

DEMANDS FROM MAHARASHTRA:

The Samajwadi Party submitted a memorandum to Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer, urging them to recommend a 10-day extension to the Election Commission, similar to Delhi. 

The demand was reportedly ignored. Political and administrative circles are now discussing that if Maharashtra's CEO had taken a firm stand like Delhi, the state could have also got the extension.

WHY MAHARASHTRA NEEDED THE EXTENSION:

Over the last 8-10 days, heavy rains and floods hit multiple districts in Maharashtra. 

Transport was disrupted and rural life came to a standstill

 It is Kharif sowing season, so farmers are in fields all day. BLOs are unable to meet people at home

Citizens are struggling to collect required documents

Add to this power cuts, internet issues, and the EC website repeatedly crashing the SIR process has slowed down drastically.

BLOS UNDER MAXIMUM PRESSURE:

BLOs - Booth Level Officers - are facing the maximum mental and physical stress. They are going door-to-door for verification, updating online records, handling citizen queries, all within a tight deadline.

Despite this, the Election Commission did not take any relief measures for Maharashtra, leading to growing resentment.

POLITICAL QUESTIONS RAISED:

People are now asking: 

If the EC could see Delhi's situation, why did it ignore Maharashtra's floods, rains, farm work and technical issues?

Why two different standards in one country?

The Samajwadi Party has consistently raised this issue. But people are also asking why other major parties in Maharashtra have remained silent on the difficulties faced by voters.

THE DEMAND:

Citizens in Maharashtra are demanding that Maharashtra should also get a minimum 10-day extension for SIR, like Delhi. 

"Giving voters enough time is the real test of democracy. Otherwise, the EC will be remembered for 'Justice for Delhi, Injustice for Maharashtra',", locals said.

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