13 October,2026 07:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
MNS chief Raj Thackeray participates in his party’s signature campaign
The silent protest organised by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray at Shivaji Park in Dadar between 4 pm and 7 pm on Monday received a good response, with several Gen-Z participants joining the demonstration to push for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Around 5 pm, people began gathering near the Meenatai Thackeray statue outside the park, carrying tricolour flags and wearing black ribbons on their sleeves and over their mouths as a mark of protest. Anticipating a large turnout, the Mumbai Police had beefed up security in the area.
Among the leaders present at the protest were Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Amit Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai, MLAs Anant (Bala) Nar, Sunil Prabhu and Varun Sardesai, as well as Tejas Thackeray, the younger son of Uddhav Thackeray.
Addressing the crowd near the Meenatai Thackeray statue after being urged to speak by a section of the crowd, Aaditya alleged, "[Former Union Education Minister] Dharmendra Pradhan was not saved, but Gyanesh Kumar is being saved as this government was formed because of vote chori and election theft."
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader added, "We have always praised the Mumbai Police, but what we saw them doing yesterday and the day before [October 11 and 10] makes us think if they are obeying orders coming from Delhi."
Aaditya also said he and his party would stand behind everyone fighting against vote chori, appealing to Mumbaikars to participate in the silent protest at Shivaji Park on Monday.
Hundreds of people turned up for the protest, including workers from Shiv Sena (UBT), the MNS and Congress. However, no one was seen carrying any political party flags.
The MNS, meanwhile, set up a booth as part of a signature campaign, outlining five demands against the Election Commission: voting via only ballot papers, total cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision process, clean and transparent voter lists, taking all political parties into confidence before election, and the resignation of Kumar. After arriving at the spot, MNS Chief Raj Thackeray took part in the signature campaign.
Younger protestors told mid-day they were there to fight for democracy. "What has been going on concerning the Election Commission has put our democracy at risk. As the youth of this country, we need to make sure that every vote counts and that's why we are taking to the streets," said 25-year-old Esha Shetty, who travelled from Bhayander to attend the protest.
Her friend, Shakti, said several issues were interconnected. "Be it votes [alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls], women's safety, or the education system, it's all been very uncertain. As citizens, it is crucial to take interest in these issues," said the 30-year-old Borivli resident.
Bandra resident Sonam Solanki brought her child to the protest, and they had been attending previous demonstrations, too. "It is crucial to show children all of it [life], not just the rosy parts. It started with education-led protests and then those related to corruption. Countries like France, Spain, and Brazil have also seen protests against the system, and, as the youth of the country, we should take it up too," said Solanki.
Comedienne Aditi Mittal said, "I am at this protest because I want to see how many slogans can rhyme with âGyanesh' and âVote Chor.' This time I learned - âKisne becha mera desh, Gyanesh, Gyanesh' and âVote Chor, Gaddi Chodd.' I'm sure I'll learn more in subsequent protests in the coming days."
7PM
Time demonstration ended on Monday
