Uddhav Thackeray Raises Allegations of Electoral Fraud in Maharashtra Local Body Elections

Allegations of Voting Irregularities

Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has made serious allegations regarding electoral fraud in the ongoing local body elections across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. During a press conference, Thackeray claimed that the indelible ink used to mark voters' fingers is being easily removed with nail polish remover and sanitizers, allowing some individuals to cast their votes multiple times. He suggested that this situation indicates a collusion between the ruling coalition and the State Election Commission (SEC).

Concerns Over Election Integrity

Thackeray expressed that this might be the first election with such a high volume of complaints regarding the quick removal of the ink. He criticized the Election Commission and the ruling party for their alleged collusion, stating that numerous irregularities are occurring. He called for action against the Election Commissioner, questioning whether they had hired a sanitizing agency to facilitate the easy removal of the ink.

Call for Voter Participation

He further questioned the Election Commission's actions over the past nine years, emphasizing that they are public servants, not rulers. Thackeray urged citizens to vote in large numbers, noting that many are unaware of their designated polling stations, which contributes to the ongoing issues.

Evidence of Electoral Manipulation

During the press conference, Thackeray showcased alleged evidence on his mobile phone, demonstrating how the ink could be removed with sanitizers or nail polish remover. He asserted that this clearly indicates a threat to democracy, questioning the purpose of the Election Commission's salary and their effectiveness over the past nine years. He suggested that staff should regularly inquire about the Commission's activities to ensure accountability.