Raj Thackeray Calls for Abolition of EVMs and SIR in Maharashtra
At a rally in Mumbai, Raj Thackeray demands the cancellation of the special intensive revision of electoral rolls and a return to ballot voting.
Raj Thackeray questions the removal of 2 crore voters through the SIR process.
The rally saw participation from leaders of various political parties, including Uddhav Thackeray.
Concerns over the integrity of the electoral process have led to widespread protests across India.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray made a significant demand during a rally in Mumbai on Sunday, calling for the cancellation of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and advocating for the use of ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs). Thackeray raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the electoral process, specifically questioning the removal of approximately 2 crore voters under the SIR initiative.
Thackeray, who was joined by Uddhav Thackeray of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), expressed his discontent regarding the deletion of voters, urging political parties to unite in demanding the cancellation of the SIR. The rally, which commenced near Metro Cinema and concluded at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters, was a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who has faced criticism for the handling of the SIR process.
During his speech, Raj Thackeray highlighted discrepancies in voter statistics, noting a significant increase of 40 to 60 lakh voters between the 2024 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections. He also pointed out the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) contrasting vote totals in these elections, questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process. Thackeray emphasized that the decision of which party should govern should rest with the people, not solely with the Election Commission.
The protest reflects growing dissatisfaction with the electoral management in Maharashtra and across India. Uddhav Thackeray characterized the demonstration as a defense of democracy and the Constitution, accusing the Election Commission of bias towards the BJP. The rally is part of a broader wave of protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with similar demonstrations occurring in various locations, including Delhi.
Looking ahead, the political landscape in Maharashtra may shift as these protests continue. The opposition parties are likely to escalate their demands for accountability and transparency in the electoral process. Upcoming elections will be closely monitored as the implications of the SIR process and the use of EVMs remain contentious issues among voters and political leaders alike.
