Maharashtra Elections: Slippers Banned Near Polling Booths? Independent Candidate Makes Request

Mumbai: An independent candidate contesting Maharashtra assembly election has me an unusual appeal that slippers be banned near polling booths in his constituency in Dharashiv, citing that y were his poll symbol and wearing m would be a violation of election code.

Gurudas Sambhaji Kamble, a candidate from Paranda assembly seat, has sought to ban "chappals" within a 200-metre rius of polling booths.

According to Election Commission of India's code of conduct, candidates cannot display ir symbols near polling stations.

In a letter dressed to election officer, Kamble argued that allowing voters or officials to wear slippers near booths could invertently breach rules.

"My electoral symbol is chappals. Wearing chappals within 200-metre rius of polling booths could be seen as a violation of code of conduct. To preempt such issues, I request a ban on slippers for all, including election officials, candidates, and voters. Anyone found wearing m should face strict action," Kamble stated in his letter.

He emphasised that his request was intended to uphold integrity of election process and avoid any breaches.

Maharashtra will go to polls on November 20, and votes will be counted on November 23.

(Except for heline, this story has not been edited by Republic and is published from a syndicated feed.)