5 days Ago By Arun Nair
Mumbai: An independent candidate in Maharashtra has requested the Election Commission to ban slippers near polling booths in his constituency, citing that they were his poll symbol and wearing them would be a violation of the election code. Gurudas Sambhaji Kamble, a candidate from the Paranda assembly seat, has sought to ban "chappals" within a 200-metre radius of polling booths, news agency PTI reported. According to the Election Commission of India's code of conduct, candidates cannot display their symbols near polling stations.
In a letter addressed to the election officer, Kamble argued that wearing slippers near the booths could inadvertently breach the rules. "My electoral symbol is chappals. Wearing chappals within the 200-metre radius of polling booths could be seen as a violation of the code of conduct.
To preempt such issues, I request a ban on slippers for all, including election officials, candidates, and voters. Anyone found wearing them should face strict action," Kamble stated in his letter, according to PTI. He emphasised that his unusual request was intended to uphold the integrity of the election process and avoid any breaches.
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