The controversy began when Raj Thackeray accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of failing to act on credible information about 9.6 million fake voters allegedly added across Maharashtra
MNS chief Raj Thackeray. PIC/ ATUL KAMBLE
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are set to go ahead with their planned rally in Mumbai today, despite not receiving police permission. The joint demonstration aims to protest against alleged electoral roll manipulation during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, with Opposition parties claiming that nearly 96 lakh fake voters were added to the list.
According to the news agency ANI, the rally, scheduled to begin at 1 PM from Metro Cinema and proceed toward the BMC headquarters, will see the participation of key political leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, and state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal, among others.
The controversy began when Raj Thackeray accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of failing to act on credible information about 9.6 million fake voters allegedly added across Maharashtra. “This is an insult to voters. We demand that elections not be held until the rolls are cleaned up,” Thackeray had said during an address to party workers on October 26.
Echoing his sentiments, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of “match-fixing” elections through electoral irregularities, and called for a thorough investigation into the voter list.
As per ANI, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also condemned the BJP, alleging that it had manipulated the electoral process to stay in power. “They stole votes and seized power. Despite clear evidence, the Election Commission refuses to act—hence today’s protest,” he stated.
Meanwhile, NCP-SCP leader Anil Deshmukh pointed out serious inconsistencies in voter records, citing an instance where 130 voters were registered at a single address, including the Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner, who actually resides in an official bungalow.
The Opposition claims that the ECI’s inaction amounts to complicity and that the upcoming local body elections should be postponed until a door-to-door verification of voters is completed.
Despite police restrictions and heavy security, the MVA-MNS rally is expected to draw large crowds and intensify the ongoing debate over electoral transparency and credibility in Maharashtra.
Mumbai Police issue traffic curbs, safety advisory ahead of MNS ‘Satyacha Morcha’ rally today
Mumbai Police have announced extensive safety measures and traffic restrictions in south Mumbai on Saturday, ahead of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)-led “Satyacha Morcha” protest. The rally, scheduled to begin at 1 PM from Fashion Street and proceed toward the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters, is expected to draw large crowds, prompting road closures and diversions across key areas.
According to police officials, major routes around Azad Maidan, CST, Mahapalika Marg, D N Road, and nearby areas will be either closed or diverted from early afternoon until the march disperses, likely by 4 PM. Commuters have been advised to expect heavy congestion near Churchgate, Bombay Hospital, JJ Bridge, and BMC headquarters, with extended travel times anticipated.
Vehicles travelling from the Eastern and Western suburbs to South Mumbai are being urged to take alternate routes, as roads leading to Azad Maidan and BMC may be completely shut or heavily controlled. Mumbai Police have also confirmed increased deployment of personnel and barricades along the protest route to maintain order and ensure public safety.
(With ANI inputs)
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