24 September,2026 12:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
MNS chief Raj Thackeray has demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and called for a return to paper ballots. File pic
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and called for the replacement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with paper ballots, citing an investigative report on differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Thackeray referred to a report stating that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded written objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months against decisions taken by the poll panel.
The Indian Express reported that the two commissioners had raised concerns over decisions taken without their knowledge, changes to voter registration procedures and the centralisation of electoral roll-related systems.
In a lengthy post on X, Thackeray alleged that the objections supported concerns raised by opposition parties in Maharashtra. He accused the CEC of taking decisions under pressure and claimed that the independence of the poll panel had been compromised.
Thackeray questioned how decisions relating to voter-list software, statutory forms and a large number of appeals in West Bengal could have been taken without the approval of all members of the Commission.
He also referred to a reported technical issue in Goa involving 97 voters, claiming it showed excessive centralisation of the electoral process.
Thackeray praised Sandhu and Joshi for recording their objections and urged opposition parties to join what he described as a nationwide campaign against electoral irregularities.
He demanded an independent high-level inquiry into those allegedly directing decisions within the ECI, besides seeking the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Thackeray also called for the present government to step down, alleging that its electoral mandate had been compromised. He further demanded that EVMs be scrapped and traditional paper ballots be used in future elections.
"The Chief Election Commissioner ought to resign, certainly, but the government that came to power by leveraging such a spineless Election Commission should also step down. The fact that there were no celebrations on the streets following the election of a government claiming a majority mandate speaks volumes. This is precisely what I have been saying all along. Therefore, everyone must realise the ultimate truth that only if the Election Commission becomes truly autonomous, as it ought to be, can the ruling dispensation be brought down to earth; otherwise, this battle will be endless," he commented.
Responding to questions about why large crowds at his rallies had not translated into electoral seats, Thackeray said the disclosures from within the ECI provided an answer to what he described as questions over alleged vote manipulation.
He concluded by arguing that electoral contests would remain compromised unless the neutrality and autonomy of the Election Commission were restored.
(With inputs from IANS)
