Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Sunday raised questions over the conduct of the ongoing municipal elections in Maharashtra, after several candidates from the ruling alliance were elected unopposed, a first in the state’s civic poll history in recent years.
Of the 67 unopposed winners, 45 are from the BJP and 22 from the Shiv Sena, including one candidate backed by the BJP.
Addressing a joint press conference at Shiv Sena Bhavan, where the two leaders also released a common manifesto for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Uddhav Thackeray called unopposed elections an “insult to democracy”.
“When candidates are elected without a contest, voters are denied their right to vote. The Election Commission is depriving citizens of their democratic rights,”Thackeray said.
He demanded that such elections be cancelled and that a fresh election process be conducted in the affected wards.
Thackeray also sought the suspension of Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, alleging that Opposition candidates were pressured during the nomination process.
He said the Speaker’s conduct was not in keeping with the neutrality expected from the post.
Story continues below this ad
Raj Thackeray questioned the BJP’s stand on the issue, recalling that the party had earlier moved the Supreme Court when similar unopposed elections took place in West Bengal. “What is the BJP’s position now?”he asked, calling the trend a “wrong precedent” that could harm democratic processes.
Earlier, the two leaders jointly released their manifesto, which focuses on housing, civic services and infrastructure in Mumbai. The document promises affordable housing on BMC-owned land, a separate municipal housing authority, and improved services related to water supply, waste management, roads, transport, health and education.
Raj Thackeray, returning to Sena Bhavan after nearly 20 years, added a lighter moment to the event by saying it felt “like being released from jail”, but asserted that Mumbai would have a “Marathi mayor” after the elections.
Expand
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express’ Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state’s decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai’s ‘pagdi system’ (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA – Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh … Read More
Stay updated with the latest – Click here to follow us on Instagram
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd