Daijiworld Media Network - Solapur

Solapur, Feb 8: A controversy erupted in Maharashtra’s Solapur district after a video went viral showing a 14-year-old boy allegedly casting a vote inside a polling booth during the Zilla Parishad elections.

The video, shot at a polling booth in Yashwant Nagar area of Akluj on Saturday, shows the minor standing beside his father, Arjun Sinh Mohite Patil, a candidate in the elections, and pressing a button on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).

The incident triggered sharp reactions on social media, with questions being raised over the apparent violation of polling norms, which strictly prohibit unauthorised persons from entering the voting compartment.

Responding to the controversy, Mohite Patil defended his actions, claiming that his son had only wanted to understand the voting process. “My son wanted to see how a vote is cast and that is why I took him inside. The polling officials raised objections, but I requested them to allow him to stand next to me while I cast my vote. I do not think there is anything objectionable in this,” he said.

Election officials are yet to issue an official statement on the matter, even as the video continues to draw criticism and renewed focus on adherence to electoral rules and procedures.