04 October,2026 12:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday described the joint protest led by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray in Mumbai as a "revolt" against what he alleged was the undermining of democratic institutions, electoral processes and citizens' constitutional rights.
Speaking ahead of the protest march against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, Raut accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of facilitating what he called the "hijacking" of elections and alleged that democratic institutions were being weakened.
"This protest is against the Hitler-rule prevailing in the country, hijacking elections, keeping the Election Commission and the Supreme Court in one's pocket, running a dictatorship, stealing votes, stealing elections, and poaching MPs and MLAs. This is a revolt against all that, much like the one in 1857," he told reporters.
Raut said the protest, announced jointly by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, had received backing from opposition parties in Maharashtra.
"Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray have announced this protest march, with the entire Maha Vikas Aghadi backing it. The march is about to begin, and everyone will take the stage to address the nation," he added.
Raut also said the "Garjana Morcha" was aimed at demanding Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission.
"This 'Garjana Morcha' is being organised to save the Constitution and to protest against scams within the Election Commission, the denial of voting rights to citizens, and to demand the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, who is being labelled a BJP agent," Raut said.
Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are leading the joint march, marking a significant public appearance by the two cousins in a common political campaign. The protest is focused on allegations concerning the electoral process and demands for greater accountability from the Election Commission.
Raut said the Congress, NCP, Left parties and the Peasants and Workers Party had also been invited to participate.
"We have extended invitations to everyone. All the parties present here in Maharashtra have been invited, and we are confident that everyone will turn up," he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said the joint appearance of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray had given additional momentum to the agitation.
"Protests are taking place everywhere in the country today, specifically regarding the corruption within the Election Commission and the manner in which they are operating. They are acting illegally and unconstitutionally. This issue has sparked an outcry across India. But that outcry gains real strength the moment the name 'Thackeray' enters the picture; that is when it gathers momentum. Today, both brothers are here together, standing firm with the slogan: 'Remove the Election Commission, Save the Country.' And by 'Save the Country,' we mean saving the nation's Constitution and its democracy. That is why both brothers have come together here; it is a symbolic gesture. Understand this: the public is seething with anger and agitation, and today, that sentiment will find its expression," he told ANI.
The march was initially planned from Byculla, but the route was later changed following discussions with Mumbai Police. The revised route starts at Metro Cinema and proceeds towards Azad Maidan, with the protest scheduled to culminate with addresses by senior leaders. Police have stepped up security arrangements along the route.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab said the protest was not restricted to political parties and would also include citizens concerned about their right to vote.
"Our protest is directed at the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. Our demand stems from the fact that our constitutional right to vote is being stolen, and this protest is against that theft. It is not just the Shiv Sena, MNS, NCP, and opposition parties participating; anyone who believes their right to vote should not be stolen will join this protest," he told ANI.
Raut said the march would conclude early because of the heat.
(With inputs from ANI)
