Thackeray Cousins Tackle 'Vote Theft' Ahead of Maharashtra Polls

Mumbai, Aug 25 (PTI): In the backdrop of talks about a potential alliance between the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), both leaders have brought attention to the issue of "vote theft." They have urged their party workers to verify the electoral rolls for bogus voters.

Speculation arises at a time when Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, along with other opposition leaders, has also raised concerns about manipulation in voter lists.

In the previous year's elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly, the Shiv Sena (UBT), which partnered with the Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP), managed to secure 20 seats. In contrast, the MNS failed to win any.

Anticipation of a potential alliance between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS has been fueled by the approaching local body elections in the state, notably including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is known for its influence and wealth.

On Sunday, Uddhav Thackeray alleged the infiltration of an additional 40-42 lakh voters into the electoral rolls after last year’s Lok Sabha elections. He tasked his party cadres with verifying the rolls for bogus entries.

"Scrutinize your ward for any instances of vote theft. Ensure every individual is listed only once," he emphasized.

Further, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister claimed that "bogus voting" happens on polling day, with instances of individuals casting votes twice or even thrice under the same name.

Speaking in Pune on Saturday, MNS chief Raj Thackeray revealed he has been addressing "vote theft" issues since 2016.

He criticized the Election Commission for not conducting a thorough investigation when similar allegations of voter list fraud were made by both Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and BJP's Anurag Thakur.

The MNS leader has also encouraged his members to meticulously go through voter lists.

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