Maharashtra Opposition Leaders Unite in "March for Truth" Against Alleged Voter Fraud

Mumbai:

Opposition leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) united in Mumbai on Friday to protest alleged voter list irregularities. The "Satyacha Morcha" (March for Truth) featured prominent figures Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Congress's Balasaheb Thorat, and Raj Thackeray standing together against what they described as a "systematic attempt to steal votes and destroy democracy."

This marked the first occasion where Congress shared a platform with the MNS, despite previous reservations. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap had recently stated they would not collaborate with MNS, while state president Harshwardhan Sapkal had claimed the MVA needed no "extra partner."

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray announced plans to pursue legal action, alleging widespread voter list manipulation across Maharashtra.

"They stole my party, tried to steal my father, and now they are stealing votes," Thackeray declared, warning that those involved should realize "this is just a spark that could soon turn into fire."

Thackeray further alleged attempts were made to remove his family's names from voter lists using the government's Saksham app.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray supported these concerns, claiming fake and duplicate voters had been added in constituencies including Mumbai, Nashik, and Maval.

Presenting documentation as evidence, he questioned, "Everyone, including the ruling parties, agrees fake voters have been added. So where did they come from?"

He criticized the Election Commission for ignoring these issues while rushing toward January elections, asking, "If you could wait for five years, why not one more year?"

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar called for united action to protect democracy.

Drawing comparisons to the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, Pawar stated, "The last assembly elections shook people's faith in democracy. It is time to use the power given to us by the Constitution. We must rise above political differences and unite for democracy."

Throughout the demonstration, leaders alleged extensive voter list manipulation, from counterfeit Aadhaar cards to names being registered at public facilities like toilets in Navi Mumbai. Uddhav Thackeray urged citizens nationwide to verify their voter registration status and remain vigilant.