High turnout, but ballot shortage allegations cast shadow over DBA polls

Nagpur: The District Bar Association (DBA) elections on Friday witnessed a high turnout, but allegations of mismanagement, including a shortage of ballot papers, cast a shadow over the process.The elections registered 84% polling from eligible voters for 17 posts, reflecting heightened engagement within the legal fraternity despite the implementation of the ‘one bar, one vote' rule. The last election had recorded 82.31% participation. Out of a total electorate of 3,390 lawyers, 2,848 exercised their franchise in a largely peaceful process held between 10am and 5.30pm. The election covered positions including president, secretary, two vice-presidents, two joint secretaries — one of which is reserved for women — a librarian, a treasurer and nine executive committee members, comprising six men and three women.Several lawyers said the poll panel printed only about 2,800 ballot papers. "Midway, there was chaos for some time. The poll panel then hurriedly printed additional papers that saved the day. However, the papers were like pamphlets and lacked serial numbers, which is mandatory," a senior lawyer said, requesting anonymity.Another lawyer said the poll panel should have printed more ballot papers than the actual number of voters, which is a standard practice in any election. "The same thing took place in the 2014 DBA polls, and we flagged it then," he said. Amol Patne, one of the poll panel members, dismissed the allegations, stating that only ballot papers lacked the serial numbers. "The error was from the printer's part, but there was no shortage," he told TOI. Voting continued after additional ballot papers were arranged. Shreerang Bhandarkar, a voter, described the situation as avoidable. "The mess was unheard of and absolutely undesirable in such important polls. There are no chances of mischief, but the poll panel should take care from next time," he said. The court premises were crowded since morning with lawyers and candidates mobilising support. Prominent members, including Congress MLC Abhijit Wanjarri and party spokesperson Atul Londhe, were among those who cast their votes. "The entire legal fraternity made a point to support their respective candidates by arriving early. With the overwhelming response, there seems to be a tough fight for all the seats," Aditya Paliwal said.On polling day, candidates were seen stationed near the entrance of the district court building, distributing pamphlets and greeting voters. Some lawyers alleged that a few candidates crossed informal norms by offering water bottles, snacks and flowers to voters.The court premises bore the imprint of an intense campaign, with pamphlets, posters and banners scattered from the entrance to the upper floors where polling was conducted. By afternoon, congestion inside polling rooms worsened as voters queued up, with many reporting discomfort in the crowded and humid conditions.Lawyers also pointed to inadequate arrangements, particularly during the final hours when a surge in turnout led to long queues in confined spaces. "Many were seen rushing in after 4 pm, and the rooms became extremely congested," a lawyer said.
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