The Maharashtra Opposition has announced a major protest, dubbed the Virat Morcha, against the Election Commission of India (EC), citing irregularities in the voter list and a lack of transparency in the electoral process.
The protest decision follows multiple meetings between the opposition parties, including the Maha Vikas Aghadi and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), with EC officials. Dissatisfied with the responses received, the leaders have decided to escalate the issue through a public demonstration.
“On November 1, Saturday, the Virat Morcha will be held in Mumbai under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, and senior Congress leaders,” announced Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut.
He added that lakhs of voters from across Maharashtra, who feel deprived of their voting rights, are expected to participate in the Morcha.
During earlier discussions, the opposition raised concerns over discrepancies in voter names and addresses and the lack of transparency in the verification process. Detailed representations were submitted to the EC, seeking explanations for these irregularities.
“Transparency is key to democracy. We believe the EC is withholding critical information. Citizens who wish to protect democracy must participate in this Morcha,” said NCP leader Jayant Patil.
The press conference announcing the protest included leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, Congress, MNS, and CPI. MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar, returning to the Shiv Sena Bhavan after 24 years, stated, “The EC has issued instructions to district magistrates, indirectly acknowledging shortcomings. We urge all Maharashtrians to join this Morcha to safeguard democracy.”
Raut highlighted MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s claims that nearly 96 lakh fake voters exist in Maharashtra. He emphasized that the Home Ministry has promised to identify and remove infiltrators, hoping action is taken promptly.
The Virat Morcha aims to bring together opposition parties and citizens to raise their voices for transparent electoral processes and to ensure the integrity of the voter list ahead of future elections.
