Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 19: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has levelled a serious allegation against the Election Commission of India, claiming that nearly 96 lakh fake voters have been added to the state’s electoral roll after the recent Assembly elections. Speaking at a public rally at Nesco Grounds in Mumbai on Sunday, Thackeray accused both the ruling government and the Election Commission of manipulating the democratic process.

“The confusion in the voter lists isn’t new—it’s been going on for years. I raised this issue back in 2016–17 regarding voting machines and voter lists. When officials began knocking on people’s doors, it became clear what kind of election setup was being carried out,” Thackeray said.

Taking a sharp dig at the recent election results, he remarked, “Even when 232 MLAs were elected, Maharashtra was silent. Voters were shocked, and even the elected representatives were stunned. Everyone now knows how elections are being conducted in this country.”

Thackeray further claimed that efforts are underway to wipe out regional parties by manipulating electoral data. “Fake voters are being added and planted in lists. Around 96 lakh bogus voters have been included in Maharashtra’s rolls ahead of the upcoming elections,” he alleged.

He went on to question the very relevance of elections if outcomes are pre-decided. “Why should candidates contest or people vote if the results are already fixed? This is an insult to voters and democracy. If the voter lists are tampered with, the outcome is predetermined,” Thackeray said, calling it a “dangerous conspiracy” against the democratic system.

The MNS chief also hit out at the ruling party for reacting defensively. “I am asking the Election Commission to rectify these lists. I don’t understand why those in power are getting angry—perhaps because they are involved. When we question the Commission, the ruling party responds. Who asked them? They are upset because they are feeding off this corrupt system,” he said.

Thackeray further attacked the ruling alliance, saying, “Everyone knows how this government came to power and what kind of politics is being played. Interestingly, these same people once said exactly what I’m saying today when they were in the opposition.”

During the rally, Thackeray also played a video clip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from earlier years, in which Modi had accused the Election Commission of bias. “I’m only saying what Modi himself once said. We are telling the Election Commission today that it should not act as a servant of those in power,” Thackeray concluded.