Raj Thackeray Joins Cousin Uddhav in Demanding Scrapping of SIR
MNS chief Raj Thackeray demanded the cancellation of the SIR process, alleging irregularities and calling for opposition unity, as Congress protests sought the CEC's resignation.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Friday demanded the complete scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, describing the exercise as a "new weapon in the hands of the Bharatiya Janata Party".
In a post on social media platform X, Mr. Thackeray alleged that the BJP had used individuals such as Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to entrench itself in power indefinitely. He said the irregularities in the SIR, together with the concerns being voiced by Election Commissioners themselves, left only one conclusion — that the entire process must be abandoned.
Mr. Thackeray called for the cancellation of the recent SIR exercise, an impartial inquiry into the alleged irregularities, and a fresh start to the process. He also backed the demand for elections to be conducted through ballot papers and supported calls by several opposition parties for a united front against the exercise.
His remarks echo those of his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, who told the media this week that some States should hold re-elections in light of the fresh allegations. Mr. Uddhav Thackeray said opposition parties had been flagging anomalies in voters' lists for some time.
The demand comes amid a broader opposition chorus seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner and the scrapping of the SIR, following media reports of differences flagged by the two Election Commissioners.
On the same day, the Congress held protests at several locations across the country, pressing for the resignation of Mr. Kumar.