Shiv Sena UBT Warns BJP of Mass Uprising Over Alleged Voting Rights Concerns

The editorial defended Sunday's protest march in Mumbai organised by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and allied groups, following criticism from BJP leaders. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had dismissed the demonstration as an attempt by the Opposition to regain political relevance, while state minister Ashish Shelar described the protest as "cheap politics".

The Thackeray faction hit back at the BJP's criticism, alleging that the ruling party was relying on the Election Commission to retain political power. The editorial claimed that nearly 13 crore voters across India, including more than two crore in Maharashtra, had allegedly been removed from electoral rolls without adequate notice or an opportunity to be heard.

The editorial argued that the large turnout at the Mumbai protest reflected public concern over the issue and warned that continued anger over alleged irregularities in the electoral process could result in a larger political movement.

It also referred to observations attributed to Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan concerning the importance of due process in matters affecting citizens' voting rights. The editorial cited his remarks while arguing that names of living voters should not be removed from electoral rolls without following the prescribed procedure and providing advance notice.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece also referred to former Union Home Secretary and former BJP minister R.K. Singh, who has publicly questioned the legality of the nationwide SIR exercise. The editorial cited his view that removing voters without proper inquiry or an opportunity for a hearing would raise concerns under Section 22 of the Representation of the People Act.

The editorial questioned whether BJP leaders would similarly dismiss such observations as "howling", referring to Shelar's criticism of the Opposition's protest.

The party reiterated the demands raised during the Mumbai demonstration, including withdrawal of the SIR exercise, opposition to the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and a return to ballot papers.

The editorial also took aim at Fadnavis and Shelar, using sharp political rhetoric and satire to criticise their response to the Opposition's demonstration.

Concluding its editorial, the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena warned that dismissing public concerns over electoral rights could fuel a larger political mobilisation, arguing that sustained public opposition to what it described as injustice could eventually create significant political pressure on those in power.