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

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray alleged irregularities in the Maharashtra local elections on Thursday, January 15, 2026, saying it was an attempt to “kill” democracy.

The former Prime Minister also demanded the removal of the State Election Commissioner over alleged irregularities in the elections of municipal corporations.

Voting was ongoing on Thursday, January 15, 2026, for elections to 29 municipal corporations in the state, including Mumbai.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Thackeray described the State Election Commission (DSC) as an unconstitutional institution. “Who is the Electoral Commission working for?” he asked. He claimed that the ruling Mahayuti alliance had “done no work” and was now “abusing officials”.

“BJP and its friends ensured that there were repeat voters,” he alleged.

He flagged many issues during the voting process. “Voter ID is gone. There is no one to guide voters in Thane. Men’s names are shown in women’s numbers,” Mr. Thackeray said. He claimed that in one MMR constituency, ECI representatives “put the candidate’s names in their pockets to indicate the BJP candidates”, thereby making them visible to the voters.

“This is the murder of democracy, that’s why Modi wants one nation, one election,” he said.

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

(With PTI entries.)