In Vasai, absence of election officers creates chaos

Election Commission of India's initiative to give citizens a last chance to register themselves as voters resulted in a chaotic situation in Vasai-Virar on Sunday.

Thousands thronged specified camps to get their names registered and collect voter identification cards but they either found the booths shut or the teachers who were assigned election duty absent. On the other hand, handlers present as some of the booths even went to the extent of selling the required forms to people.

The Palghar constituency has six legislative assembly segments — Dahanu, Vikramgadh, Palghar, Boisar, Nalasopara and Vasai — making it one of the largest constituencies in the state with a huge population. Government officials and employees of the local civic body were given the responsibility to conduct the one-day drive here.

"I came to the booth to find that officials were not present," said Mahendra Kadam, a social worker from Nalasopara.

"While some booths were shut, handlers at others were not provided with the forms. Forms, in fact, were sold for Rs10 each. The voters' list was missing. We could not register ourselves," said Kamlesh Dwivedi, another resident of Nalasopara who went to Lokmanya English High school for registration.

Manisha Sinha, a resident of Vasai, said: "Various booths across Vasai and Virar were shut. Many had to go back disappointed. There was lack of coordination among officials and chaos prevailed."

However, Vasai Tehsildar Rajendra Chavan said: "We have assigned the work to specific authorities and got good response. Many people have registered their names and got their voter identity cards. We will inquire about the booths which were shut due to lack of staff."