No objection to Rakesh Maria's continuation as Commissioner of the Mumbai Police: EC

The EC has clarified that it has no objection to the continuation of Rakesh Maria as the commissioner of the Mumbai Police during the general elections. Objections were raised as a circular issued by the EC had stated that government officials, who are part of the election process, such as the revenue department and the police, cannot be appointed in their hometowns.

Maria was brought up in Bandra and, in the official records, Mumbai is his hometown. Earlier, the EC had orally sought clarification from the state on Maria's appointment and the state had pointed out that the commissioner's role was supervisory.

Meanwhile, the state electoral department has clarified that the video and complaint against NCP supremo Sharad Pawar have been forwarded to the ECI and EC will take appropriate action if there is any violation of the model code of conduct.