Lok Sabha elections 2024: Mumbai policemen vote at special polling centres

A police officer gets a picture taken after he voted at the Civic Training Institute and Research Centre in Borivli. Pic/Anurag Ahire

Special polling centres have been set up for the policemen in Mumbai, Thane and Mira Bhayander and Vasai Virar (MBVV) to cast their votes in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Six polling centers have been established for the six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai city. Police officers and personnel affiliated with the Mumbai Police Commissionerate will cast their votes on May 14, 15, and 16. Besides, a polling center has been designated in Thane City for the police officers and personnel of MBVV and Thane Commissionerate. Earlier, those from the police would vote through postal ballots.

Sources revealed that strict instructions have been issued to all police personnel and senior officers have demanded a 100 per cent voting turnout. After casting their votes, the staff and officers are required to send a photo to their senior officer or the in-charge officer, who will then forward these photos to the senior police officials of the Mumbai police.

During the third phase, police personnel living outside Mumbai were given a day's leave to go to their villages and vote. However, not all police personnel could cover the long distances to their villages to cast their vote and return in one day. Police personnel who could not vote said that a postal vote was better suited for them. No matter where a person is posted, he can vote through postal ballots.

Police personnel who voted at the aforementioned centers revealed that many of them prioritised Maratha reservation issues. They considered basic facilities like reservations, access to good housing, and admission to quality schools for their children. It was evident that they revered Balasaheb and have not forgotten his love and loyalty towards the Marathi people.