BJP-Shiv Sena Clash Over Maharashtra Voter List Irregularities: Shelar Accuses Thackeray of Selective Targeting

BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar has challenged the opposition's narrative regarding alleged voter list irregularities in Maharashtra, specifically targeting the Thackeray brothers for what he described as a "selective" campaign against fake voters.

During a press conference in Mumbai, Shelar posed a critical question: "They talk of beating the fake voters up, but why are they only Hindu, Marathi and Dalit? Is this the approach they want to take towards the Bhoomiputra?"

Shelar highlighted apparent inconsistencies in the voter lists from Karjat-Jamkhed constituency, which is currently represented by NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar. He presented evidence of voters having identical serial numbers but different personal details, specifically reading out Muslim names to emphasize what he termed as the opposition alliance's "selective outrage." He challenged, "You see Bhoir and Patil, don't you see these names?"

In response to Shelar's allegations, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray characterized the BJP leader's statements as a "self-goal." Thackeray pointed out, "With this statement, Shelar has admitted that the voter list has faults. We have never demanded filtering of specific names, our demand is simple: clean up the entire list."

Thackeray further announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) shakhas will serve as "voter identity centres" following the publication of revised electoral lists on November 6. He issued a warning to party workers, saying, "If you sleep now, you'll be finished," while encouraging citizens to visit shakhas to verify their family members' names and report discrepancies.

The opposition leader also expressed concern about young voters, noting that individuals turning 18 after October 2024 would be ineligible to vote in the upcoming civic elections. "It's the Gen-Zs who are leading movements across the world, they deserve their right to vote," Thackeray stated, urging first-time voters to contact party offices to document any omissions from the voter lists.