Mumbai: Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Election, the Mahayuti government’s recent order regarding the sub-classification of SC-ST communities is now under scrutiny. The government had issued a resolution (GR) on October 15, 2024, to form a committee led by a retired High Court judge for SC-ST sub-classification. However, this decision might be revoked due to the enforcement of the election code of conduct.

Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra, S. Chokksalingam, hinted at the potential cancellation of this GR during a press conference on Wednesday, as the Maharashtra Assembly Election dates have been announced, enforcing the election code immediately.

Chokksalingam explained, “Once the election dates are announced, the code of conduct comes into effect. The Election Commission’s press conference announcing the Maharashtra Assembly election dates started at 3:30 PM yesterday, and from that moment, the code of conduct was applicable in the state. Any government orders uploaded after that time will be reviewed.”

The Election Commission has also stated that any decisions made by the government after the implementation of the code will be thoroughly examined, and necessary actions will be taken if they violate election rules.

The timing of the SC-ST sub-classification committee’s formation is being questioned, as it was issued after the election code came into force. This raises the possibility that the decision may be rescinded due to the violation of the code of conduct, causing potential embarrassment for the Mahayuti government just ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024.

The decision’s fate now lies in the hands of the Election Commission as it reviews whether the government’s move violates any election norms.