Wrong Ward Election MP has embarrassed the administration in Khargone district after a bypoll was held in the wrong ward. The incident occurred in Maheshwar Janpad Panchayat, where officials conducted an election in Ward 9 instead of the vacant Ward 7.
The seat in Ward 7 fell vacant after the sudden death of member Mohan Makwale. As per rules, authorities had to conduct a by-election there on December 15. However, officials mistakenly informed the district election office that Ward 9 was vacant. Based on this information, the election process moved ahead in the wrong ward.
The entire procedure took place in Ward 9. BJP backed Ajay Singh Baria, who filed the only nomination. Officials rejected a second nomination due to time limits. Authorities declared Baria elected unopposed, and supporters celebrated his victory.
Just before the official declaration on December 16, officials noticed the mistake. The administration immediately cancelled the election. District Panchayat CEO Akash Singh suspended two employees for negligence. The suspended officials include assistant grade-3 Ajay Verma and block-level officer Ramlal Barsena.
Baria expressed disappointment over the decision. He said officials accepted his form for Ward 7 and issued receipts accordingly. He appealed to the Election Commission to recognise his unopposed win.
Officials admitted the clerical error and announced a fresh election process.
