Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday (January 15, 2026) alleged irregularities in Maharashtra civic polls, saying it was an attempt to “murder” democracy. The former chief minister also demanded suspension of the state election commissioner over alleged irregularities in the municipal elections.

Voting was going on on Thursday (January 15, 2026) for the elections of 29 municipal corporations of the state including Mumbai. Speaking to reporters, Mr Thackeray termed the State Election Commission (SEC) as an anti-constitutional institution.

“Who is the Election Commission working for?” he asked. He alleged that the ruling Mahayuti alliance “did not do any work” and was now “misusing governments”. “BJP and their friends have ensured that there are duplicate voters,” he alleged, highlighting several issues in the voting process.

“Voter identification has been lost. There is no one to guide voters in Thane. Men’s names are being displayed on women’s numbers,” Mr Thackeray said.

He alleged that in the MMR constituency, ECI agents have “put candidate names on their pockets displaying BJP candidates”, ensuring that they are visible to voters. “This is murder of democracy, that’s why Modi wants one nation one election,” he said, alleging nexus between the Election Commission and the government and demanding suspension of SEC commissioner Dinesh Waghmare. (With PTI inputs).