Fadnavis Critiques Opposition's Protests Against Election Commission
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticizes the Opposition's recent protests against the Election Commission, likening them to forgetful characters.
Devendra Fadnavis accuses the Opposition of attacking the Election Commission due to electoral rejection.
He compares the Opposition's behavior to the character Ghajini, who suffers from memory loss.
The Opposition claims the voter roll cleanup is biased, while Fadnavis defends the integrity of the electoral process.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sharply criticized the Opposition for its recent protests against the Election Commission of India (ECI). Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, he described the actions of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders, who led a protest march in Mumbai, as a desperate attempt to regain lost political ground. Fadnavis emphasized that the low turnout at the march reflected the public's disinterest in the Opposition's grievances.
Fadnavis pointed out that the Opposition's attacks stem from their inability to accept repeated electoral defeats. He remarked, "They have become like Ghajini," referencing the 2008 film character known for his short-term memory loss. He highlighted the timeline of events, noting that Gyanesh Kumar became the Chief Election Commissioner in 2025, while elections in Maharashtra occurred in 2024, questioning how the current ECI could be responsible for past electoral outcomes.
The Chief Minister further criticized the Opposition's narrative, stating, "How can the SIR of 2026 and the person who became chief election commissioner in 2025 affect the 2024 elections?" He accused them of spreading falsehoods and venting their frustrations on the Election Commission due to their electoral failures.
The Opposition has been vocal against the ECI, particularly concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, alleging that it aims to disenfranchise voters to benefit the ruling party. During the protest, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray called for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, citing internal conflicts within the ECI as reported by Indian Express, where serious objections regarding the SIR process were documented multiple times.
As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to evolve, the implications of these protests may influence upcoming electoral strategies. The Opposition's claims against the ECI and the ruling party's responses will likely shape public perception as the next elections approach. Observers are keenly watching how this conflict will unfold in the coming weeks, particularly as the political climate heats up ahead of the elections.
