Raj Thackeray calls for cancellation of India’s electoral-roll revision

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has called for the cancellation of India’s Special Intensive Revision process, joining opposition voices questioning the exercise. In a post on X on September 25, Thackeray described the revision as a “new weapon” of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He alleged that the BJP had used individuals, including Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, to maintain an “endless grip on power”.

The demand comes amid opposition calls for Kumar’s removal and allegations about the functioning of the Election Commission. The Hindu reported that the dispute followed media reports of differences between two Election Commissioners over decisions allegedly taken in their names during the revision. Thackeray said the process should be completely cancelled and replaced after an impartial inquiry.

He also called for all opposition parties to unite against it and supported demands for elections to be conducted using ballot papers. His position echoes that of his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Uddhav has said that some states should hold fresh elections because of new allegations and that opposition parties have long raised concerns about irregularities in electoral rolls.

Congress held protests in several parts of the country on September 25, seeking the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. The controversy has therefore developed into a wider opposition campaign involving the Election Commission, the electoral-roll revision and the conduct of elections. Raj Thackeray’s statement called for a fresh start after an investigation.

The source material does not indicate that the Election Commission or the BJP had responded to his specific demand.