BJP leader objected to changing map

@the_news_21

Mumbai: BJP leader Prabhakar Shinde writes to BMC chief and State Election Commission over the draft map of electoral Ward boundaries regarding upcoming BMC elections.

In a two page letter, Shinde writes that the draft map published by BMC has not kept in mind the convenience of the common public. In a letter, Shinde alleges that “This draft map looks more of part of political agenda to give advantage to one particular party. More than voters convenience priority has been given to the political party.”

Shinde in his letter also highlighted the issue that how BMC has not followed the order passed by the State Election Commission on 29th of December 2021 regarding how to fix boundaries of the wards for elections keeping natural boundaries as it is.

Shinde sights the clause of 4.5.1 which says that ward formation should start from the north direction, from the north direction towards the northeast and thereon towards the east to west and eventually to the south direction. According to Shinde the draft map published by BMC is the ‘blatant violation’ of the State EC order.

In his letter, Shinde has also tried to bring attention to clause 4.5.2 under which houses and buildings should not get divided into two parts. He has further cited the example of ward No 31 which has been divided in such a manner that is contrary to the above clause.

“In ward 31 instead of considering DP or major nallah as the natural boundary, small and narrow lane has been taken as a boundary. Even a single building is divided into two wards. Which is going to create chaos for voters. I believe it has been done to favour one particular party in the election. All these things will lead to a decrease in voting percentage,” said Shinde

Another example Shinde has cited in his letter of ward No 109 which has been bifurcated in such a way that it crosses the railway line. According to the rule, the railway line should be a natural boundary throughout Mumbai city. But in this case, the ward has been increased to over 5km.

“Such demarcation of the ward in the draft map has been done just to create inconvenience to voters which is very much clear that it has been done by keeping political motive in the mind,” Shinde added.

According to Shinde, wards number 29 and 36 are also an example of such biased motives. As per clause 4.5.3, wards should not get bifurcated without considering basic amenities like healthcare centres, dispensaries, water supply, local markets. But they have been bifurcated in such a way that for administrative purposes citizens will have to go to another ward office.

“Wards have been reorganised with malafide intentions and to benefit on a particular party. It’s a clear vendetta against BJP where we have elected councillors. Therefore all our objection should be taken seriously and action should be taken according to conduct a free and fair election,” said Shinde.