FIR Filed Against NCP Candidate for Ritual at Polling Station

Police in Pune have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Kedar Deshpande, a candidate representing the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the Bhor municipal council election, and his wife. This action follows the emergence of a video showing the couple performing a religious ritual, or puja, inside a polling station on the day of voting, which was held on March 12, 2024.

According to Anna Pawar, a police inspector at the Bhor police station, the FIR was filed after a formal complaint from the returning officer, Prajakta Ghorpade. The couple faces charges under relevant sections of the Representation of the People Act as well as sections 221 and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Pawar confirmed that further investigations are underway.

Violation of Election Conduct

The incident reportedly occurred after the mock polling process had concluded and was deemed a violation of the model code of conduct governing elections in India. Ghorpade stated that the ritual took place shortly before voting commenced and emphasized the importance of adhering to established electoral guidelines.

“We initiated the process to file a case as per the law after the incident was reported,” Ghorpade noted during a press briefing. The returning officer also indicated that disciplinary action would be pursued against polling staff found to be complicit in the situation. Ghorpade added that the polling officer had documented efforts to stop Deshpande and his associates from conducting the ritual.

The video of the event, which circulated widely on social media, has drawn significant public attention. Deshpande is contesting for a corporator position from ward 9B, and the election has garnered interest due to the political dynamics involved. The contest pits candidates supported by NCP MLA Shankar Mandekar against those affiliated with former Congress MLA Sangram Thopate, who recently switched allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Candidate’s Defense

In response to the allegations, Deshpande defended his actions, claiming that he was merely inspecting the polling arrangements when the ritual took place. “The video was recorded and shared out of context,” he stated. He also alleged that similar rituals were conducted by members of the opposing party without being captured on film, suggesting a disparity in media attention.

As the investigation progresses, the outcome of this incident may have implications for the election and the candidates involved. The Bhor municipal council election reflects a broader political landscape, highlighting the tensions and rivalries within local governance structures in Maharashtra. The situation serves as a reminder of the strict regulations governing electoral conduct and the potential consequences of violating these rules.