Wed Jan 14 08:52:43 UTC 2026: Headline: MNS Chief Raj Thackeray Accuses Election Commission of Bias Ahead of Mumbai Civic Polls
The Story:
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has publicly criticized the State Election Commission (SEC) on January 14, 2026, alleging that the SEC is favoring the ruling Mahayuti coalition by allowing door-to-door canvassing after the official campaign period for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election ended. Thackeray claims this decision, along with the introduction of the Printing Auxiliary Display Unit (PADU) without proper consultation, indicates the SEC is manipulating the electoral process to ensure the government’s victory in the January 15, 2026, polls.
Thackeray has urged MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers to remain vigilant against potential malpractices, specifically the distribution of money by ruling party candidates. He questions the SEC’s timing for implementing new rules and its independence from governmental influence.
Key Points:
* Raj Thackeray accuses the SEC of bias towards the ruling Mahayuti coalition.
* The accusation centers on the allowance of door-to-door canvassing after the official campaign period ended.
* The SEC cites a February 14, 2012, order to justify the allowance, specifying conditions (limited group size, no mikes).
* Thackeray questions the introduction of PADU machines without informing political parties.
* PADU machines are being implemented for the first time in the January 15, 2026, Mumbai civic polls as backup units for EVMs.
* Elections to 29 municipal corporations in the State, including Mumbai, will be held on January 15.
Key Takeaways:
* The credibility and impartiality of the SEC are being questioned by a major political party in Maharashtra.
* The timing of rule changes and the implementation of new technologies are raising suspicions of electoral manipulation.
* The accusations highlight existing tensions and mistrust in the electoral process.
* The alliance between MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) is evident in Thackeray’s call to action for their workers.
* Introduction of PADU units reflect the SEC’s acknowledgement of potential EVM failures, an issue often debated.
First Piper 