Sanjay Raut sparks new political row ahead of civic polls; alleges 45 lakh fake voters added in Maharashtra

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday once again ignited the fire in the Maharashtra political scenario. The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, while talking to the media on Tuesday, raised serious concerns over an alleged irregular spike in Maharashtras voter list. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed that the states total number of registered voters has mysteriously increased by 40 to 45 lakh, which is highly suspicious, and the ruling party, in collaboration with the Election Commission, is trying to manipulate the voter list. Sanjay Raut further alleged that the sudden rise in voter numbers lacks transparency and could potentially affect the credibility of the upcoming civic poll elections, which are expected to be conducted by the end of this year. Speaking to the media in Mumbai, the Rajya Sabha MP said, The Chief Electoral Officer, Election Commission officials, and the states Chief Electoral Officers are meeting with all-party delegations, including Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, and various other senior leaders from the opposition. Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut says, The central government has also expressed concern. The Chief Electoral Officer, Election Commission officials, and the states Chief Electoral Officers are meeting with all-party delegations, including Sharad Pawar… pic.twitter.com/2AFwduzR9s IANS (@ians_india) October 14, 2025 Sanjay Raut further, while talking to the media, said that Requirements of the VVPAT for the upcoming civic body polls are extremely important to make sure that election procedures are held fairly. However, the Election Commission has been denying the use of VVPAT machines, asserting that the Centre has not provided enough machines. Earlier on Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also hinted that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackerays party could be part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). However, both Congress and ultimately, the MNS have dismissed the claim. On Monday, Raut, while speaking to the media, claimed that the MNS chief is of the opinion that Congress should be part of the alliance for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Raut asserted, In recent times, I have met Raj Thackeray on several occasions. During the interaction, the MNS chief was of the opinion that elections should be contested as a united MVA front. In response, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP was quick to clarify that, This is Raj Thackerays thought and not a decision. This statement created a stir among the political circles, including the Congress and the MNS. Congress leaders did not make any official statement. Moreover, a senior Congress leader, on condition of anonymity, said, Congress would prefer going solo instead of being part of the alliance where MNS is also one of the allies. He further said, This is merely an opinion within a section of Congress leaders. A final call on this would be taken by the high command in Delhi.