Maharashtra Minister Critiques Thackeray Brothers' Protest as 'Langur Morcha'

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar has publicly criticized the joint protest led by Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, branding it a 'Langur Morcha' and asserting that it lacks any legal foundation or public significance. The protest, which took place on October 4, was directed against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, coinciding with ongoing debates regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Shelar suggested that the demonstration was merely a response to the electoral setbacks faced by the Thackeray brothers.

During his remarks, Shelar emphasized that the march did not present any legitimate demands or issues, stating, "Today is 'World Animal Day'; in this context, I would call it a 'Langur Morcha'." He further defended the Election Commission's integrity, questioning the opposition's selective criticism of electoral outcomes. Shelar pointed out that since Gyanesh Kumar's appointment in February 2025, non-BJP parties have successfully formed governments in three out of six assembly elections.

The protest was initiated by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, who accused the Election Commission of undermining voters' rights and democracy. Uddhav claimed that millions of names had been removed from electoral rolls nationwide, alleging that this was part of a broader attack on the electorate. He raised concerns about the appointment process of Gyanesh Kumar and criticized the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee.

Raj Thackeray echoed these sentiments, demanding the cancellation of the SIR exercise in Maharashtra. He questioned the legality of the revision process, asserting that it should only occur in emergencies. Thackeray claimed that the SIR could potentially disenfranchise two crore voters, raising alarms about the integrity of the electoral process. He urged political parties to unite in demanding the cancellation of the SIR and a return to ballot paper voting.

As the political landscape in Maharashtra heats up, the INDIA bloc is intensifying its campaign against the Election Commission's handling of electoral rolls. Upcoming protests are scheduled, including a significant demonstration on October 6 and a major rally in New Delhi on November 1. The Election Commission has maintained that the SIR process is aimed at updating electoral rolls and has mechanisms in place for addressing claims and objections, despite the opposition's allegations of irregularities.