Raj Thackeray Alleges 96 Lakh ‘Fake’ Voters in Maharashtra, Demands Voter List Clean-Up Before Local Polls

Mumbai (Fikrokhabar News): Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has alleged that nearly 96 lakh fake voters have been added to the electoral rolls in Maharashtra ahead of the upcoming rural and urban local body elections. Addressing his party’s booth-level agents on Sunday, Thackeray challenged the Election Commission to conduct polls fairly without first cleansing the voter lists.

“If elections are held on the basis of such manipulated voter lists, it is the biggest insult to the people of Maharashtra and Indian democracy,” Thackeray said, urging his party workers to actively verify voters’ names in their areas.

Thackeray claimed that the largest numbers of fake voters were added in major cities, including:

• Mumbai: 8 to 10 lakh
• Thane, Pune, and Nashik: 8 to 8.5 lakh each

He alleged the trend extends to almost every city and village in the state, adding that this was not the first time such manipulation had occurred, claiming similar fraud during previous assembly elections.

Opposition Parties Raise Alarm

Thackeray’s claims come shortly after a coalition of opposition parties — including the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and MNS — met with the State Election Commissioner and Chief Electoral Officer. They alleged that duplicate names were found in the rolls, sometimes listed at multiple addresses or across different assembly segments.

The Opposition has demanded a complete audit and rectification of the electoral rolls before elections, which must be completed by January 31, 2026.

Election Commission Responds

Responding to the controversy, the Maharashtra State Election Commission clarified that electoral rolls are handled securely and no political party can manipulate them. It maintained that updates and corrections are being carried out in line with official procedures.

“Match Already Fixed”: Thackeray Slams Ruling Party

Without directly naming the BJP, Thackeray accused the ruling party of planning to “rig the elections” by adding fake electors. “It doesn’t matter if you vote or not. The match has already been fixed,” he said, questioning the very foundation of the democratic process.

He also took a jab at critics who mock his party for lacking MLAs or MPs. “How can we win seats when the voting process itself is compromised?” he asked.

Thackeray also reminded that the BJP, when it was in the Opposition, used to make similar allegations against the Election Commission.

Claims About Adani, Airports, and Ports

In the same address, Thackeray made fresh claims regarding the shifting of Mumbai airport operations to the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport, and cargo traffic to the Vadhavan Port in Palghar. He alleged that surrounding land would be handed over to the Adani Group, warning, “I will not tolerate development built on the tomb of Marathi people.”

He further claimed that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had initially opposed the merger of Mumbai into Maharashtra a statement likely to stir historical and political debate.