PMC Elections: EVM Malfunction Sparks Confusion During Voting in Ward 33 of Shivane–Khadakwasla–Dhayari Area
Shivane, 15th January 2026: Voting in Ward No. 33, covering the Shivane–Khadakwasla–Dhayari Part area, was disrupted on polling day after a technical malfunction in an electronic voting machine (EVM) led to confusion and unrest among voters at a polling station.
According to voters who had arrived to cast their ballots, the buttons on the voting machine were not responding when pressed, preventing them from voting for their preferred candidates. Several voters said that despite repeated attempts, their votes were not being registered, leaving them unable to complete the voting process.
When the issue was reported to election officials present at the booth, voters alleged that some polling staff advised them to press any other button and complete the procedure. This suggestion further heightened concerns among voters, particularly after it was observed that votes were not being recorded even when the button placed next to the name of a candidate from the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) was pressed.
As awareness of the issue spread, party workers and voters intervened and formally raised objections, citing a serious technical fault in the voting machine. They demanded immediate action and insisted that the defective EVM be replaced to ensure a fair and transparent polling process.
Following the objections, election authorities removed the malfunctioning machine and replaced it with another EVM. Polling was then resumed, and officials conducted checks to verify that the replacement machine was functioning properly before allowing voters to proceed.
Despite the resumption of voting, the disruption caused significant anxiety among voters. Many expressed concern that they may have lost their opportunity to vote and feared that the technical issues could influence the final election outcome. Several voters were seen leaving the polling station uncertain about whether their votes would ultimately be counted.
Ward No. 33 has witnessed a multi-cornered contest with candidates from major political parties in the fray. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Dhanashree Kolhe, Mamta Dangat, Kishor Pokale and Subhash Nanekar. The NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) candidates include Rashmi Ghule, Anita Ingale, Kakasaheb Chavan and Sandeep Mate. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) is represented by Rupali Karanjawane, Sonali Pokale, Rahul Ghule and Shivaji Mate, while the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has nominated Seema Pokale and Rahul Mate.
Meanwhile, voters and party representatives have urged authorities to ensure strict monitoring and prevent such technical lapses during the remaining polling process.
