Joint Power Show by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray in Mumbai
Political activity has once again intensified in Maharashtra's capital as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray jointly led a massive protest march against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Named the 'Garjana Morcha', the protest saw participation from various opposition leaders, common citizens, and farmer organization representatives.
The political procession began near Metro Cinema and proceeded towards the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters. Heavy security arrangements were in place, but due to the lack of proper administrative permission, legal troubles have now arisen for the event organizers. Police have registered a case for violating regulations, escalating political tensions in the state.
Unpermitted March and Police Action
According to official Mumbai Police sources, Sunday's 'Garjana Morcha' was organized without obtaining prior administrative clearance. Holding large public demonstrations without permission is prohibited, prompting police to register a case against the key organizers under relevant legal provisions.
Authorities stated that maintaining law and order is a top priority, and large gatherings without authorization disrupt traffic and public safety. While no immediate official reaction has come from the top leadership of the Thackeray faction regarding the FIR, local party workers have expressed discontent over the police action.
Severe Questions Raised Over SIR Process
The primary agenda of the protest was to question the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of voter lists and the functioning of the Election Commission. Protesters and leaders alleged large-scale irregularities in updating voter lists, which they claim affects the voting rights of ordinary citizens.
A notable feature of the march was that participants discarded their respective party flags and carried only the Indian tricolor, framing it as a citizen-centric movement rather than a strictly partisan event. Speakers demanded transparency and accountability from the electoral authorities.
Ruling Party Hits Back: BJP Calls It a Publicity Stunt
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena strongly criticized the joint protest, dismissing it as a mere publicity stunt. Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar launched a sharp attack, mocking the march and stating that such reactions stem from a sour-grapes mentality after electoral defeats.
Ruling leaders pointed out that these same politicians have won elections in the past under the very same electoral framework, accusing them of undermining constitutional institutions whenever election results do not favor them.
