Demonstrating a rare and growing political convergence, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray joined forces on Sunday to head a high-octane protest march in Mumbai.
The rally demands the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged widespread irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The joint agitation has rallied significant support across the opposition spectrum. Allies of the Sena (UBT) within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—including the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP)—have extended complete backing to the protest march.
Route Adjustments and Logistics
The march route underwent a late modification following directives from municipal authorities and law enforcement. Originally scheduled to move from Byculla to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters near Azad Maidan, Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab confirmed that the route was revised to commence at Metro Cinema and conclude at the BMC headquarters on police request.
To mobilize supporters across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the MNS deployed a fleet of over 325 private buses. Senior Police Inspector Raju Bidkar of the Azad Maidan police station noted that security measures were significantly stepped up along the central corridor.
A Growing Trend of Convergence
The bitter rivalry between the estranged Thackeray cousins has thawed rapidly over recent months, with Sunday’s march marking their third major public collaboration:
- Language Policy: Jointly celebrating the withdrawal of the draft resolution that sought to make Hindi compulsory in Maharashtra schools.
- Student Advocacy: Organizing combined demonstrations protesting irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET examinations.
- Electoral Integrity: Teaming up to oppose alleged voter-list manipulations under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Opposition Unites Against Poll Panel
The political temperature in Maharashtra had already reached a boiling point on Friday, October 2, when the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke, staged a massive demonstration at Shivaji Park despite police denying permission. Following the event, Mumbai Police registered cases against Dipke, Saurav Das, and over 400 supporters.
Opposition parties argue that electoral list revisions have selectively impacted voter demographics to favor the ruling Mahayuti coalition. With the Congress’s Nana Patole and NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto formally confirming participation, Sunday’s march reflects a consolidated opposition front taking its battle from press halls to the streets.