Raj Thackeray Demands Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner and Removal of EVMs from Election Process

Mumbai, September 24 (Daily Kiran) : Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI) on September 24, 2026, claiming that recent media revelations demonstrate a complete erosion of the commission’s constitutional autonomy.

Referencing a media report, Thackeray stated that these findings validate long-standing allegations made by opposition parties in Maharashtra. He took to social media platform X to assert that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) has not acted independently but has been compelled to make arbitrary decisions favoring the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Thackeray argued that the concept of an independent Election Commission has become merely theoretical. He accused the current political environment of equating “freedom” with total subservience to the ruling party. He emphasized that the serious concerns raised by Election Commissioners Sandhu and Joshi cannot be overlooked. When two out of three commissioners are kept in the dark and sidelined, it indicates that there has been arbitrary manipulation of the voter list.

Highlighting specific incidents, Thackeray questioned how crucial directives related to voter list software, changes in legal forms, and massive legal appeals—such as the 1.61 million appeals filed in West Bengal—could be issued without the commission’s approval. He also pointed to a technical glitch in Goa that prevented 97 verified voters from casting their ballots, which he described as evidence of deliberate centralization and manipulation within the system.

Commending the dissent of the two election commissioners, Thackeray urged all opposition parties across the country to unite for a significant struggle. He called for a nationwide movement against electoral irregularities, advocating for the return of paper ballots.

Thackeray demanded the immediate resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, a high-level independent investigation into the alleged “masterminds” directing ECI decisions, and the resignation of the current government for compromising electoral fairness. He insisted on the removal of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in upcoming elections, favoring traditional paper ballots instead.

He remarked, “The Chief Election Commissioner should certainly resign, but the government that has exploited such a weak Election Commission to gain power must also step down. The absence of celebrations on the streets after the government claiming a majority was elected speaks volumes. I have always maintained this. Therefore, everyone must understand this fundamental truth: until the Election Commission becomes truly independent, as it should be, the ruling government cannot be brought down; otherwise, this struggle will never end.”

Addressing a frequently asked question from political commentators about why he has not secured seats despite large crowds at his rallies, Thackeray stated that insider information from within the ECI provides a definitive answer regarding “who steals votes and how.” He concluded with a warning that until the integrity of the Election Commission is restored, democratic competition in the country will remain fundamentally weakened.