Thackeray Cousins Lead Mumbai Roar Against EVMs & "Vote Chori"

Mumbai witnessed a powerful display of opposition unity as Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, led the 'Virat Garjana Morcha' (Grand Roar March) on Saturday. Thousands of workers and leaders from various opposition parties converged at the BMC headquarters, presenting a united front against the current electoral processes and the ruling dispensation.

The primary demands of the massive protest were the scrapping of the Systemic Improvement in Reforms (SIR) and a return to traditional ballot papers for elections, replacing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Raj Thackeray was unequivocal in his stance, stating that the entire SIR process should be cancelled and emphasized that elections should no longer be conducted through EVMs.

He also took aim at corporate influence, noting, "One person Adani is getting everything from Forests, project contracts." Uddhav Thackeray framed the gathering not as a battle for any political party, but as a critical "fight to save the nation and democracy." He declared,

We welcome Make in India. But if a dictator is made in India, we will all unite and end his regime,

and asserted that India had now risen against "vote chor", vote stealers.

Directly targeting the BJP, Uddhav alleged the party was incapable of governing and was using its power for political revenge. He also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming he was the first prime minister to face such widespread anger across the country. Drawing a parallel to historical figures, Uddhav warned that dictators, like Adolf Hitler, ultimately face severe consequences.

Echoing these sentiments, Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat accused the Mahayuti government of coming to power through "vote chori," arguing it would have been impossible for the ruling alliance to defeat the Maha Vikas Aghadi otherwise. Thorat highlighted that Rahul Gandhi has been raising the issue of alleged "vote chori" by the BJP, purportedly with the Election Commission's help, for years.

He further claimed that two election commissioners had now exposed alleged malpractices involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Thorat urged,

We have a historical responsibility to save democracy and the Constitution. Let us unite for it.

NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde also joined the chorus, predicting that the BJP's "dictatorial regime" would face its first defeat in Maharashtra.

He reiterated the demand for elections to be conducted using ballot papers, underscoring the collective call for electoral transparency and accountability. The march highlighted deep-seated concerns among opposition parties regarding the integrity of the democratic process in India. #EVMs #SaveDemocracy #GarjanaMorcha #MumbaiProtest