14-year-old spotted beside father at Maharashtra ZP polls, EC orders probe

A video that has gone viral on social media shows a 14-year-old boy appearing to cast a vote alongside his father during the Zilla Parishad elections in Akluj, Solapur district, on Saturday.

The boy, son of candidate Arjun Sinh Mohite Patil , can be seen inside a polling booth at Yashwant Nagar, pressing the EVM button while standing next to his father.

Speaking to the media, Mohite Patil clarified, “My son wanted to see how a vote is cast, so I brought him inside. The polling officials initially raised objections, but I requested them to allow him to stand beside me while I voted. I don’t think there is anything objectionable in this.”

The Election Commission has taken note of the incident and asked district authorities for explanations . A thorough inquiry has been ordered, and officials found negligent could face disciplinary action, as only registered voters are legally allowed to operate the EVM. Under Article 326 of the Constitution , India follows the principle of universal adult franchise , which sets the minimum voting age at 18 years . Allowing a minor near the voting machine is therefore a clear violation of electoral rules.

The clip has sparked discussions online, with many questioning how a minor was allowed near the voting machine inside a tightly regulated polling space. The episode has triggered criticism, with observers calling it a troubling lapse in the very machinery meant to protect free and fair voting.