Mumbai, October 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday intensified his criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging major statistical discrepancies in voter records during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Addressing a press conference, Thackeray questioned differences in voter figures released by the Election Commission and alleged that thousands of voter records had gone missing. His remarks came amid protests by Opposition parties in New Delhi over the poll body’s functioning.
“I am exposing the first major manipulation by ‘Golmaal Gyanu’ [referring to the Chief Election Commissioner]. There is a discrepancy of 7.9 lakh voters in Maharashtra. The Election Commission released one set of figures in May and a completely different set in August. ‘Golmaal Gyanu’ must answer where these voters went. They need to clarify the sudden disappearance of five lakh voters in the state,” he said.
Thackeray also alleged discrepancies in voter records in specific constituencies, including Bhiwandi, where he claimed the figures did not tally with those associated with the SIR process.
Referring to Mahim constituency, he said long-time voters whose names appeared in the 2002 electoral rolls and draft voter lists were now receiving notices.
“People who have been voting consistently since 2002 are receiving notices despite being on the draft rolls. What kind of system is this?” he asked.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also raised concerns about voter verification at the ground level. He alleged that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were not conducting proper door-to-door verification in some areas and were instead asking residents to visit them to complete documentation.
Reiterating his demand for the CEC’s removal, Thackeray said the issue would be raised publicly. He also alleged that young people travelling from states such as Goa and Rajasthan to attend protest venues were being detained.
Expressing confidence about future political developments, he said the incumbent government would face challenges ahead of the 2029 general elections.
Thackeray alleges ‘undeclared Emergency’ amid protests
The controversy over voter records coincided with demonstrations in several parts of the country. In Maharashtra, Pune witnessed protests by Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants, while the Congress staged demonstrations in New Delhi demanding the CEC’s resignation.
Authorities in the national capital deployed additional security personnel and imposed restrictions at several locations to maintain law and order.
Commenting on the security arrangements, Thackeray alleged that an “undeclared Emergency” was prevailing in the country, claiming that people were being detained and served notices.
He confirmed that Shiv Sena (UBT) supported the demonstrations in Delhi and said party leader Sanjay Raut was participating in the agitation.
Turning to the protests by students in Pune, Thackeray criticised the Maharashtra government’s handling of paper leak cases and questioned why action had not been taken against certain officials.
He also referred to the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the Shiv Sena name and election symbol, expressing hope that the matter would ultimately lead to a fair outcome.
The allegations regarding voter discrepancies, verification procedures and the conduct of authorities were made by Thackeray as part of his criticism of the Election Commission and the government.
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