2024 Lok Sabha Elections Should be Held on Ballot Paper: Uddhav Thackeray

Mumbai: A day after Sanjay Raut, Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday challenged the BJP to hold next Lok Sabha elections on ballot paper. He said it was necessary to end doubts over EVMs.

Mr. Thackeray said that the people are wondering how the results in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan were contradictory to all exit polls and pre-poll surveys. “If there is a BJP wave in the country, let there be one Lok Sabha election on ballot paper so that there is no doubt in our minds. If the voters are questioning how did the BJP win when the public sentiments was against the party. People are wondering how the results were contrary to all opinion polls and exit polls,” he said.

Insisting for the use of ballot paper in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Mr. Thackeray said, “In order to clear any suspicion, there should be one Lok Sabha election on ballot paper, if they (BJP) have guts. If not Lok Sabha, then conduct one Mumbai municipality election on ballot paper.”

The Shiv Sena UBT leader also criticised the Election Commission for not taking any action against the BJP leaders, who sought votes on the basis of religion in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.

“I had written a letter to the Election Commission citing specific instances of BJP leaders seeking votes in the name of religion or gods. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said ‘Bajarang Bali Ki Jai’ while campaigning in Karnataka. Amit Shah offered free Ayodhya Ram Mandir darshan to Madhya Pradesh voters. Since it is allowed now, we will also raise religious slogans and no action can be taken against us,” Mr. Thackeray said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further said he would lead a march to the Mumbai office of Adani Group on December 16 alleging that the state government is favouring the business conglomerate with the Dharavi redevelopment project. The Maharashtra government in July formally awarded the 259-hectare Dharavi Redevelopment project to an Adani Group firm.

“Enough information is available about the Dharavi redevelopment project which raises suspicion about whether the government is trying to benefit Adani at the cost of Dharavi residents. It also includes a TDR (Transferable Development Rights) sale clause which will benefit the Adani group significantly. To protect the interest of the residents of the Dharavi area, Shiv Sena will march to the Adani Group office on December 16. I will lead the rally on Saturday,” Mr. Thackeray said.