Mumbai, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday renewed his demand to replace Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with ballot papers, arguing that voters must have confidence that their votes are recorded correctly. He also endorsed Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s prediction of major political developments in the coming months.
Speaking to reporters, Thackeray said he had been advocating ballot paper voting since 2018 and had also raised the issue with election commissioners. He argued that voters should have the reassurance of seeing their ballot enter the ballot box, maintaining that the method of voting should remain separate from the question of who wins or loses.
Citing France and several neighbouring countries, he called for elections in India to be conducted using ballot papers. He also questioned the urgency surrounding the declaration of results, saying transparency should take precedence over the speed of counting.
On the political situation, Thackeray backed Raut’s assessment that significant changes could occur within the next two to five months. He warned that continued government missteps could fuel public anger and potentially trigger widespread unrest. He also suggested that the country could face a period of political uncertainty severe enough to raise questions about the continuation of the current leadership.
The MNS chief linked his concerns to public discontent reflected in student protests, including demonstrations over the NEET examination, and criticised the handling of peaceful protesters. He argued that such demonstrations could reflect broader dissatisfaction with the government rather than isolated grievances.
Thackeray also expressed concern over rising crime and security, referring to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. While voicing confidence in Mumbai and Maharashtra Police, he called for tough action against criminals, saying law enforcement should be allowed to act without political interference. His remarks included a call for public punishment, a demand that raises questions about due process and the rule of law.
He further criticised what he described as restrictions on freedom of expression and questioned the functioning and independence of democratic institutions, including the judiciary. He argued that public power ultimately rests with citizens and said the BJP’s 2014 electoral victory was driven primarily by Narendra Modi rather than the RSS.
Thackeray’s predictions of political upheaval and his allegations about governance and institutional independence were political assertions and were not independently substantiated in the remarks reported.
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