Mumbai Opposition Parties Slam State Election Commission Over Polling Chaos
Opposition parties in Mumbai have launched a fierce attack on the State Election Commission. They allege serious mismanagement during the recent BMC polls. The criticism centers on the use of marker pens instead of indelible ink and widespread complaints about missing names from voter lists across the city.
Leaders Demand Suspension of Officials
Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray has called for the immediate suspension of State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare. He also demands action against Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Thackeray accuses them of presiding over irregularities that he describes as an attempt to "murder democracy."
Thackeray highlights specific incidents to support his claims. "Ganesh Naik's polling station was missing," he states. "It took him four hours to find the polling station. This is the condition of the ministers." He further alleges that the SEC is making "free money" and rendering the rulers helpless.
Widespread Voter List Issues Reported
Congress city unit chief and MP Varsha Gaikwad echoes the concerns. She reports utter mismanagement on the ground. "Wherever I went in Mumbai, everyone had complaints," Gaikwad says in a social media post. "Names were missing from the voter list. Due to incorrect voting center information, voters had to visit two or three centers. Many ultimately returned home unable to vote."
Thackeray confirms receiving similar complaints from various locations. "I have been receiving calls from different places, including Mumbai and other cities, that there is confusion in the electoral rolls," he reveals. "Names are being omitted. This confusion is not going away."
Marker Pen Controversy Erupts
The use of marker pens has sparked a major controversy. MNS chief Raj Thackeray slams the SEC over this decision. "Now, the only option left is to apply the ink, go outside, wipe it off, and then go back inside and vote again," he criticizes. He argues this is not a sign of a healthy democracy and represents a misuse of power.
AICC secretary Sachin Sawant adds to the criticism on social media. He compares the situation to nail polish remover wiping off ink. "This time, there has been gross mismanagement by the State Election Commission," Sawant states. "This incident is unfortunate. Who tested the ink? Wasn't proper care taken beforehand? Action must be taken against the officers."
Allegations of Broader Malpractice
Uddhav Thackeray makes further serious allegations. He claims the SEC has no real work and points to social media revelations about money distribution. "I went to Thane with Raj, there too our candidates were asked to withdraw their candidature after being offered crores," he alleges. He asserts that the ruling Mahayuti alliance lacks the ability to win municipal elections fairly.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar joins the chorus, calling the SEC a "toothless tiger." He alleges that the BJP will win by managing the SEC, not through public opinion. Pawar shares a video online showing ink being wiped off a finger immediately after voting.
Calls for Transparency and Immediate Action
Uddhav Thackeray proposes concrete measures for accountability. He suggests making it mandatory for the SEC to publish daily activities on its website. "Otherwise, the workers of political parties should be made to sit in the Election Commissioner's office every day," he says. "So that we too can know what these 'bhais' do throughout the year when there are no elections."
He issues a stern warning. "This election or list mess should be stopped immediately. Otherwise, action should be taken against the State Election Commissioner." The opposition's unified stance highlights deep concerns over the integrity of the electoral process in Mumbai's civic polls.
