Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 4: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of gross negligence in maintaining voter lists and calling the system “haunted by ghost voters.”
Addressing a press conference, Thackeray alleged that 40 to 50 names have been registered under a single household, questioning the transparency of the Commission’s functioning. “This is the Election Commission’s ghostly game. When my name was deleted, they conducted an inquiry. But when common people face such injustice, who will listen to them? If your name is deleted, you lose your right to vote,” he said.
Thackeray further announced that his party would open voter verification centres at all Shiv Sena (UBT) branches to help citizens verify their details in the electoral rolls. “I appeal to people to visit our branches and check if their names are listed. If you find any discrepancies, report them immediately,” he said.
Referring to a recent all-party protest march against voter fraud, Thackeray said, “Everyone had questioned the government over the issue of vote theft. Now we are taking the next step — setting up identification centres for voters in each branch. Objections and suggestions will be accepted over the next week. If you stay silent now, you’ll lose your voice later.”
He also took a dig at the BJP, saying, “They have stamped approval on voter theft, and now they are turning it into a Hindu-Muslim issue.”
Raising concerns over the credibility of voter data, Thackeray remarked, “In some homes, there are 40 to 50 names listed. I urge voters to check if there are people staying in your homes without your permission — these invisible residents are the Election Commission’s ghosts. Every citizen, regardless of caste or religion, should verify the voter list — check if your name has been deleted, if your age, gender, or religion has been changed. This is your right.”
Thackeray concluded by demanding a thorough investigation into the irregularities, insisting that “someone must be held accountable for this mess.”