Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray urges SEC to cancel unopposed wins in civic polls, alleges ‘candidate stealing’

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday urged the State Election Fee (SEC) to cancel elections in wards the place candidates have been declared elected unopposed within the upcoming Maharashtra civic polls and to restart the polling course of in these seats.

Addressing a joint press convention with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray after unveiling their alliance manifesto for the BMC polls, Uddhav alleged large-scale manipulation by the ruling alliance to make sure unopposed victories.

“First they stole votes, now they’re stealing candidates,” Thackeray mentioned, accusing the ruling coalition of pressuring opposition nominees to withdraw from the fray.

Thackeray’s remaks got here after the ruling Mahayuti wrested 68 out of 69 seats earlier than precise polling because the candidates have been elected unopposed within the municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra. On the final day of withdrawal of candidature on Friday, the BJP emerged the most important gainer with its candidates elected unopposed in 44 seats.

Whereas the BJP has the best variety of candidates who’ve gained unopposed, the Shiv Sena has 22 and the NCP two.

First they stole votes, now they’re stealing candidates.

The former Maharashtra chief minister, mentioned if the State Election Fee has braveness, it ought to cancel elections the place candidates have been chosen unopposed, and will provoke the ballot course of once more in these wards.

The 2 cousins additionally unveiled their alliance manifesto for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.

“Ambiance within the nation is like democracy has been taken over by mobocracy,” he mentioned.

Estranged Cousins Reunite

Final month, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Wednesday introduced to reunite politically and tackle the ruling Bharatiya Janata Celebration (BJP) within the upcoming company elections together with the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation(BMC). Voting is scheduled on January 15.

In 2006, Raj was miffed over his cousin Uddhav’s elevation because the undivided Sena’s working president. He walked out of the celebration and floated the MNS. The reunion ofThackeray cousinsafter twenty years may mark a tectonic shift in Mumbai’s political panorama.

The BMC election could develop into a digital ‘Thackeray vs The Rest’ contest creating a brand new set of challenges and alternatives for the foremost gamers: the BJP and the Congress.