The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has raised serious concerns about major discrepancies in the Thane Municipal Corporation’s draft voter list and ward boundaries ahead of the upcoming municipal elections. According to Avinash Jadhav, head of the MNS Thane unit, the party has identified possible manipulations that could influence results in closely contested wards.
Jadhav stated that the MNS has noticed an “unexpected and unexplained” increase of nearly 400,000 voters across 33 wards in Thane averaging 7,000–8,000 suspicious entries per ward. He highlighted cases where voters were listed under incorrect names in nearby wards, and instances where voter registration numbers appeared without photos or matching details.
The MNS warned that such irregularities could significantly distort election outcomes, especially since recent contests have been decided by margins as small as 1,500 votes. Jadhav also questioned the rushed verification timeline, saying it leaves insufficient time for proper scrutiny. Expecting a detailed review within just a week, he said, is “unfair” and lacks transparency.
To address these concerns, the party plans to formally seek clarification from Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao and has vowed to take “direct action” if their objections are ignored. This is not the first time the MNS has questioned the accuracy of voter rolls. Earlier this month, the party organised a photo exhibition titled “Fake Voters of Navi Mumbai” to highlight similar alleged irregularities. They showcased examples where registered addresses included public toilets, roads, railway stations, and even the municipal commissioner’s official residence.
As Maharashtra prepares for municipal elections, the accuracy of voter lists and ward delimitation has become a major political issue. Opposition parties, including the MVA, have also demanded greater transparency and a thorough cleanup of the electoral rolls.
Also Read: Tensions Rise as Shiv Sena Ministers Boycott Cabinet Over BJP’s Leader Inductions
Share
Tweet
