Uddhav Thackeray claims irregularities in Maharashtra civic polls, calls it 'murder' of democracy

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday (January 15, 2026) alleged irregularities in the Maharashtra civic polls, saying it was an attempt to "murder" democracy.

The former Chief Minister also demanded the suspension of the State Election Commissioner over alleged irregularities in the municipal corporation polls.

Voting was underway on Thursday (January 15, 2026) for elections to 29 municipal corporations in the State, including Mumbai.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Thackeray dubbed the State Election Commission (SEC) an anti-constitutional body. “Who is the Election Commission working for?” he asked. He alleged that the ruling Mahayuti alliance has “done no work” and now is “misusing the authorities”.

“BJP and their friends have made sure there are duplicate voters,” he alleged.

He flagged multiple issues in the voting process. “Voter’s identity is gone. In Thane, nobody is there to guide voters. Men’s names are being displayed on women’s numbers,” Mr. Thackeray said. He alleged that in an MMR constituency, ECI agents have “put names of the candidate on their pockets displaying BJP candidates”, making sure they’re visible to voters.

“This is murder of democracy, this is why Modi wants one nation one election,” he said.

He alleged collusion between the poll body and government, and demanded the suspension of SEC commissioner Dinesh Waghmare.

(With PTI inputs.)