Bhiwandi tehsildar transferred on poll-eve; Cong cries foul

The Maharashtra government has transferred Bhiwandi tehsildar Vaishali Lambhate despite the model code of conduct being in force for the election to its municipal corporation.
In an order issued by the Konkan Divisional Commissioner's office late last night, Lambhate was transfered as Bhiwandi tehsildar and replaced by Shashikant Gaikwad.
Elections to the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation, in adjoining Thane district, were held today.
Taking a strong objection to the transfer, the Congress approached the State Election Commission (SEC) and sought a probe into the issue.
The Opposition party said when the model code of conduct is in force only the Election Commission, and not the relevant state government, has powers to transfer officials.

"Transferring a government official on the day of elections is a very serious issue. It shows the (BJP-led) government is ready to go to any length to win elections. The tehsildar's transfer orders were issued at 11.30pm, right in the middle of the night," Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant told reporters here.
"The model code of conduct is in place at the moment and hence transfer of officials is prohibited by the Election Commission. Only the EC has the right to transfer officials, not the government," the Congress leader said.
"We have written to J S Saharia (State Election Commissioner) and requested for action in the matter at the earliest. The transfer was effected to favour local BJP leaders," Sawant claimed.