Thackeray Brothers Announce Protest Against Election Commission on October 4
Raj and Uddhav Thackeray plan a protest in Mumbai against the Election Commission, alleging electoral misconduct and demanding voter integrity.
Mumbai, September 29 (Daily Kiran) : Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray held a joint press conference on September 29 in Mumbai. They outlined plans for a protest march scheduled for October 4, aimed at opposing the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The Thackeray brothers accused the ECI of functioning as an extension of the ruling party and misleading voters through the use of the Systematic Voter’s Registration (SVR). Raj Thackeray emphasized that this protest represents the voices of ordinary citizens, not just a single political party.
Demonstrators will gather at 10 AM at the Richardson and Crudas complex in Byculla. The march will commence between 11 AM and 11:30 AM, proceeding from Byculla to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST). It will conclude near the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters, where a stage will be set for a public meeting.
Raj Thackeray remarked, “We have raised concerns about EVM tampering and electoral fraud for years. I met with several political leaders about this issue in 2017-18. This march is against the humiliation of voters and the violation of our electoral integrity. We will express our concerns from the stage on October 4.”
The Thackeray brothers clarified that the protest transcends party politics. Strict rules have been established; neither MNS nor Shiv Sena (UBT) will carry their party flags or banners. All participants are encouraged to bring only the Indian national flag to symbolize their fight for democracy and the Constitution.
Raj Thackeray announced that instead of sending formal invitations, he would personally call opposition parties to invite them to join the movement. He also welcomed leaders from ruling parties who oppose the ECI’s operations to participate.
Responding to BJP’s claims that the opposition is fabricating “stories” against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Raj Thackeray used a Marathi proverb to highlight the absurdity of their reaction. He stated, “If our protest is directly against the Election Commission, why is the BJP feeling the heat? There’s a saying in Marathi, ‘Khayi tyala khavkhave,’ which means a thief feels the itch.”
When asked about Congress organizing nationwide protests on the same issue, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray stated there is no competition in organizing a march against the ECI’s misconduct. Raj Thackeray welcomed any housing society that wishes to voice similar concerns.
The October 4 protest marks a significant moment, as it will bring the Thackeray brothers together on one platform. Uddhav Thackeray also announced his full support for the Cockroach People’s Party movement against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, scheduled for October 2 in Mumbai.
