Mumbai, October 04, 2026 : Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the Election Commission has been functioning under the influence of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking at a major opposition protest in Mumbai, Uddhav described the CEC as a “weapon of the BJP” and questioned the purpose and implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Thackeray Cousins Lead Mumbai Protest
Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray jointly led the protest march, dubbed the “Virat Garjana Morcha” (Grand Roar March).
The march began at Metro Cinema in south Mumbai and proceeded towards the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters, where it culminated in a rally.
Leaders from the Congress and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) also participated in the demonstration, signalling broader opposition-party concern over the electoral-roll revision process.
Raj Thackeray Demands Cancellation of SIR
Raj Thackeray demanded that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls be cancelled in Maharashtra.
He also called for future elections in the country to be conducted through paper ballots, raising concerns about the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
The MNS chief questioned the rationale behind the SIR exercise and sought greater clarity over the government’s stated objectives.
Uddhav Questions SIR Rationale
Uddhav Thackeray questioned whether the exercise was intended to identify and remove alleged illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from electoral rolls.
He asked how many Bangladeshis residing illegally in the country had actually been identified if that was the principal purpose of the revision.
Uddhav further alleged that the process could be used selectively against voters and reiterated his criticism of Gyanesh Kumar.
“Gyanesh Kumar is a weapon of the BJP,” Uddhav alleged.
Opposition Demands CEC’s Removal
Participants in the Virat Garjana Morcha demanded the removal or resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, citing alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The demonstration was notable for its restrictions on political symbolism. Party flags were not permitted, with participants and supporters asked to carry only the national tricolour.
The protest reflects growing political confrontation over the SIR exercise and wider concerns raised by opposition parties regarding electoral-roll verification and the independence of the Election Commission.
Protest Follows Earlier Jail Bharo Agitation
The Mumbai demonstration came two days after the Cockroach Janta Party held a Jail Bharo Andolan against the Chief Election Commissioner at Shivaji Park.
The latest protest adds to the series of demonstrations targeting the Election Commission and its handling of electoral-roll revision.
The allegations made by political leaders remain claims by the protesters and have not, in the material provided, been independently established as findings against the Election Commission or the CEC.
