"Hunger for Power”: Uddhav Thackeray demands removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alleges threat to democracy

New Delhi [India], September 23 (ANI): Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday reacted to an Indian Express report stating that two Election Commissioners had raised objections multiple times over decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and electoral roll procedures, alleging that the Election Commission's decisions were affecting democracy.
Addressing a press conference, Thackeray targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanded his removal, alleging that the poll body had acted against his party in the past.
"For the past several days, there has been a demand to remove the Election Commission's Gyanesh Kumar. The real face of Gyanesh Kumar has come before the country," Thackeray said.
He alleged that the Election Commission had allotted the Shiv Sena name and symbol to the rival faction, referring to the ongoing political dispute within the party.
"The Election Commission gave the Shiv Sena symbol and name to the traitors. Around 40 lakh voters' names were added to the list before the elections and removed after the elections," he alleged.
Thackeray further alleged that such actions were being taken due to a "hunger for power" and called for elections in Maharashtra, West Bengal and Karnataka to be conducted through ballot papers again.
"These things are happening only because of the hunger for power, especially in Maharashtra, West Bengal and Karnataka. Elections should be conducted again on ballot papers," he said.
He also called for bringing back ballot paper voting, saying it was necessary to protect democracy.
"Ballot paper elections should happen and to save democracy today, the people's vote should come forward," Thackeray said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief urged opposition parties to come together to protect democratic values and said elected representatives must listen to people's voices.
"Today, we all need to come together at one place to save democracy. We are representatives of the people and now they will have to listen to the voice of the people," he added. (ANI)