Opposition Leaders Unite Against EC Over Voter List Discrepancies
In an unusual alliance, Maharashtra’s top political leaders—Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT), Raj Thackeray (MNS), and Sharad Pawar (NCP)—have jointly slammed the Election Commission (EC) over alleged irregularities in the voters’ list. The leaders claim the discrepancies, including duplicate entries, missing names, and unexplained deletions, threaten electoral fairness ahead of upcoming elections.
Key Allegations by Political Leaders
- Uddhav Thackeray accused the EC of manipulating the voters’ list to favor the ruling party, citing “mass deletions of genuine voters and fake entries.”
- Raj Thackeray claimed the EC was “acting under pressure,” leading to voter disenfranchisement.
- Sharad Pawar called the irregularities “unacceptable” and warned of risks to democratic integrity.
Political Interference Suspected
The leaders hinted at possible BJP involvement, pointing out that discrepancies were concentrated in opposition strongholds. The EC denied wrongdoing, stating that rolls are updated as per procedure and urging voters to verify details online.
Public Backlash & Legal Threats
Citizens and activist groups report widespread mismatches in voter IDs, with threats of legal action if corrections aren’t made. Opposition parties plan state-wide campaigns to assist voters in checking their enrollment status.
EC’s Credibility at Stake?
Past allegations in states like West Bengal and Telangana have also raised concerns about the EC’s neutrality. Analysts suggest the Maharashtra opposition is leveraging the issue to counter BJP dominance.
What’s Next?
The EC has promised a review meeting, but leaders demand immediate action. The controversy risks deepening electoral distrust if unresolved.
