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Thackeray alleged that “vote chori” (vote theft) had indeed taken place, accusing the Election Commission (EC) of compromising the integrity of elections.
Aaditya Thackeray speaks at the CNN-News18 Townhall, Mumbai edition.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday said the Election Commission of India must come clean and have a debate with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on the “voter chori” issue. Speaking at the CNN-News18 Townhall, Mumbai edition, Thackeray also questioned why the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was getting “rattled” by the INDIA bloc raising concerns about alleged “fake voters” in Lok Sabha elections.
“A complete clean-up is expected about the vote-chori. EC should come out and have a debate with Rahul Gandhi or accept their fault. It is the biggest crime to commit in the world’s biggest democracy,” Thackeray said.
“We are asking questions from the Election Commission, but why is BJP getting rattled,” he questioned, speaking at the CNN-News18 Townhall, Mumbai edition.
Thackeray alleged that “vote chori” (vote theft) had indeed taken place, accusing the Election Commission (EC) of compromising the integrity of elections over the past several years. “For the last 7–8 years, the EC has prevented free and fair elections in India,” he claimed, arguing that the institution’s credibility was at stake.
Thackeray further alleged that the irregularities were benefiting one political party in particular. “Extra voters and fake votes are going to BJP,” he charged, pointing to what he described as systemic issues that tilted the playing field.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader maintained that his party’s demands were rooted in democratic principles rather than partisan politics. “We only want the EC to come clean,” he said, framing the issue as a test of institutional accountability in India’s electoral democracy.
‘Not Against Any Language’
Thackeray also addressed the ongoing row over Marathi language, stressing that Maharashtra had always welcomed people from across India. “We are not against any language… our state accepts people from all the states,” he said.
However, he accused the BJP of trying to “impose a third language as Hindi” on Class 3 students, arguing that such moves disregarded local culture and identity. He described recent clashes over language as “sporadic incidents” but said they reflected deeper tensions.
“You should respect local culture, local language and local heroes,” Thackeray insisted, adding that such respect stems from genuine attachment to the state. Responding to why parties like the MNS or Shiv Sena (UBT) were often at the forefront of these disputes, he remarked, “Because you feel for the state — and BJP does not feel for the state.”
Thackeray framed the language issue as one of cultural preservation, warning against any policy that could dilute Maharashtra’s linguistic heritage.
Pahalgam Attack, India–Pakistan Cricket and Bangladesh
Turning to national security, Thackeray criticised the government over the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. “How did the terrorist go on a rampage and enter India… this is a failure,” he said, questioning gaps in security.
He also targeted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for continuing cricket ties with Pakistan. “Why is BCCI playing cricket with Pakistan,” he asked. “If the government is saying China is supporting Pakistan, then why is the PM going to China,” he added.
On Bangladesh, Thackeray pointed to atrocities against Hindus and questioned the rationale for sporting engagements. “See the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh… why is BCCI inviting Bangladesh for a bilateral cricket series in India,” he said, calling for a policy aligning sports diplomacy with national interests.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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