Conduct Elections Smoothly with Impartiality: Instructions from District Collector Santosh Patil

Satara, Jan 2026 : District Council and Panchayat Committee elections must be conducted in a transparent, fear-free, and impartial environment, with all departments working in coordination. District Collector Santosh Patil instructed that during the model code of conduct, every government officer and employee must strictly ensure impartial behavior. “Under no circumstances will complaints of biased conduct be tolerated,” he emphasized.

A review meeting on the preparations for the District Council and Panchayat Committee elections, implementation of the model code of conduct, and law and order measures was held at the Planning Bhavan of the District Collector’s office. Present at the meeting were Chief Executive Officer Yashani Nagarajan, Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi, Superintending Engineer of the Water Resources Department Abhay Katkar, Superintending Engineer of the Public Works Department Santosh Rokade, Additional Superintendent of Police Vaishali Kadukar, Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) Vikrant Chavan, and Resident Deputy Collector Nagesh Patil, among others.

Various responsibilities were assigned to different departments in connection with the elections. District Collector Patil instructed that these responsibilities must be executed transparently, and reminded all officials: “During the election period, we function as officers and employees under the State Election Commission. Everyone must be aware of this and perform their duties accordingly. With cameras in everyone’s hands, any mistake is immediately visible to millions, so it is essential to avoid errors while performing official duties.”

He also stressed that all candidates contesting the election should be given equal opportunities and any illegal activity must be dealt with immediately. Patil further directed that political banners, posters, and other materials on District Council buildings must be removed, audited through the District Council’s Works Department, certified, and reported to the Election Commission.

Superintendent of Police Doshi added that manpower requests for election security should be made urgently, and preventive orders will be issued immediately. Police and Home Guard personnel will be deployed for both static and mobile squads.

Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) Vikrant Chavan provided detailed guidance on the model code of conduct, including do’s and don’ts, departmental responsibilities, and legal provisions applicable in different situations, ensuring smooth and lawful conduct of the elections.

This comprehensive approach aims to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in Satara, upholding democratic principles and public trust.