Maharashtra SEC Introduces PADU Backup for BMC Vote Counting Amid Opposition Concerns

Ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) introduced the Printing Auxiliary Display Unit (PADU) as a backup device for vote counting, with 140 units deployed. While the SEC stated PADU would be used only in rare technical failure cases and demonstrated it to political representatives, MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena UBT raised concerns about the lack of transparency and alleged bias favoring the ruling party. Thackeray also criticized extended campaigning and changes in polling procedures, urging vigilance against malpractice.